FBI raids northwest Indiana restaurants in illegal gambling probe
FBI raids home, restaurants of well-known Indiana restaurants in illegal sports betting probe
Federal agents raided multiple locations in northwest Indiana, to bust a long running illegal gambling operation. They arrested more than 20 people --- One is the owner of some popular restaurants. Joanie Lum is live in Merrillville,
HOBART, Ind. - Federal agents carried out court-authorized searches Wednesday at several businesses in northwest Indiana as part of an illegal gambling investigation.
What we know:
The FBI confirmed it is leading an operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies at several locations in northern Indiana and in other states.
"This is an FBI-led, multi-agency operation, and court-authorized law enforcement activity is occurring at multiple locations in Northern Indiana and other states," an FBI spokesperson said. "There is no known threat to the public connected to this."
Authorities did not specify how many locations were involved or name the businesses being searched.
Federal agents raided two popular northwest Indiana restaurants, carrying boxes and evidence out of Paragon Restaurant in Hobart and Gino’s Steak House in Merrillville.
Federal agents claim the two well-known dining establishments ran a sports betting enterprise that generated up to $900,000 a year on the Super Bowl alone and used intimidation to collect debts.
The federal indictment alleges the restaurant owner, James Gerodemos, known as "Jimmy the Greek," and Dean Gialamas ran a structured criminal organization involving more than 20 individuals with defined roles including leaders, bookies, collectors, and enforcers.
Suspects in "Operation Porterhouse Parlay"
Investigators have evidence of aggressive collection methods, including:
- Attempts to track down the victim’s home and workplace
- Contacting the victim’s family members
- Sending individuals to confront the victim in person
- Explicit threatening voicemails and messages
The defendants face a range of charges including:
- Operating an illegal gambling business
- Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy
- Collection of credit through extortionate means
- Money laundering
- Wire communications in illegal gambling
The restaurants allegedly were used as hubs to collect and distribute gambling proceeds. Authorities say the long-running gambling ring extended well beyond northwest Indiana into other states.
On Thursday, the U.S. Attorney of the Northern District of Indiana held a news conference in Hammond to share more details about the investigation.
Feds speak on Indiana illegal gambling probe, 'Operation Porterhouse Parlay' | FULL REMARKS
Federal prosecutors on Thursday spoke a day after agents carried out court-authorized searches at several businesses in northwest Indiana as part of an illegal gambling investigation.
The government wants to seize the restaurants, which means no more dining at Gino's or Paragon.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Source: The information in this story came from a statement provided by the FBI in Indianapolis.