Two individuals have been indicted for federal robbery, allegedly targeting winners at casinos.
Article Title:South Gate Men Accused of Armed Casino Robberies
By:Richard J., a seasoned writer with a penchant for sports, sports betting, and online casinos, has been churning out top-notch content since 2015. Since the repeal of the PASPA in 2018, he's been dedicated to delivering the latest and most accurate news from the booming online casino industry.
Key Takeaways:- Two South Gate residents, Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, have been federally charged for a series of armed robberies at local casinos.- The duo faces a ten-count indictment, with charges ranging from interference with commerce by robbery to using firearms during a crime of violence.- Lopez has an additional count of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
Details of the Case:Juan Gabriel Gonzalez and Dereck Nathan Lopez, along with other conspirators, are suspected of targeting winners at local casinos using false names. They would follow a gambler from the casino, ambush them on highways, wave firearms, shatter their vehicle windows, demand money or chips, and make a hasty exit. Investigations claims there have been at least 15 such robberies between 2023 and 2024, resulting in the theft of over $274,600 in cash, chips, and other possessions. On one extraordinary night, the duo allegedly committed three robberies[1][2][3].
Charges:The two men have been slapped with a 10-count indictment, unveiled on May 9, 2025. They face charges such as: - Interference and attempted interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) - Hobbs Act conspiracy - Using firearms during a crime of violence
Additionally, Dereck Nathan Lopez is charged with illegally possessing a firearm as a felon[1][3].
Legal Proceedings:Juan Gabriel Gonzalez was apprehended, making his first court appearance, while Dereck Nathan Lopez, already in state custody, was expected to face federal charges at a later date[3]. Upon conviction, both defendants could potentially serve life in federal prison[1].
[1] FBI Press Release, May 9, 2025.[2] Los Angeles Times, May 10, 2025.[3] CBS Los Angeles, May 11, 2025.[4] The New York Times, May 9, 2025.[5] Associated Press article, May 10, 2025.
- The online casino scene in Las Vegas was shaken as two South Gate residents, Juan Gabriel Gonzalez and Dereck Nathan Lopez, were charged for armed robberies at local casinos.
- In a series of robberies, the duo, along with conspirators, targeted winners at casinos, allegedly stealing over $274,600 in cash, chips, and possessions, a crime that received extensive coverage in general news outlets such as the FBI Press Release, Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles, The New York Times, and Associated Press.
- Despite being charged with a range of crimes such as interference with commerce by robbery, Hobbs Act conspiracy, and using firearms during a crime of violence, Lopez also faces an additional charge of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
- The arrest and indictment of Gonzalez and Lopez could potentially impact the casino-and-gambling industry, and similar incidents may lead to increased security measures and stricter regulations in the industry, as reported in crime and justice sections of various news outlets.
