Authorities arrested or cited nearly two dozen individuals who were involved in an illegal gambling operation in South Los Angeles last week.
According to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, officials had received multiple anonymous tips to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers regarding a possible illegal gambling operation and narcotics activity at 10122 S. Figueroa St.
The address given by police is a small shopping plaza containing a laundromat, a tire store and a smoke shop, among other businesses. The exact location within the plaza where the illegal operation was based was not disclosed.
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Authorities conducted their sting operation on Thursday evening at 8 p.m. when officers from several LAPD divisions executed a search warrant at the location.
“During the search, officers recovered several illegal gambling machines, narcotics and two firearms,” LAPD stated. “As a result of the operation, individuals were arrested or cited for various offenses, including illegal gambling, narcotics possession and firearms violations.”
A total of 22 people were arrested or cited, all of whom are Los Angeles residents, police said.
The following individuals were arrested and charged with felonies:
LAPD stated that 15 others were cited and released:
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Cristian Teutla, 28
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Eddy Martinez, 44
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Laura Villegas, 60
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Nancy Villa, 40
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Miranda Mitchell, 21
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Rosalinda Hammond, 36
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Esther Guardado, 40
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Gerardo Sandoval, 40
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Jose Daniel Lemus, 36
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Danial Haywood, 36
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Liliana Granados, 27
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Bobby Johnson, 43
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Johnny Robinson, 40
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Francisco Arceo Amezquita, 42
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Javier Martinez Alvarado, 35
Photos released by the department show multiple gambling tables in a dimly lit room. At least one of the tables was located outdoors.
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Anyone with more information on the illegal gambling operation — or any illegal gambling operation — is encouraged to contact the LAPD.
To submit an anonymous tip, call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or go to the Crime Stoppers website.
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