Los Angeles police arrest, cite 22 people in illegal gambling sting  

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.

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:

• Rafael Casanova, 35
• Noe Cabrera, 30
• Magic Brooks, 39
• Tamarra Johnson, 42
• Dunia Pedromo-Martinez, 36
• Carolyn Serrano, 31
• Mayra Serrano, 34

LAPD stated that 15 others were cited and released:

• Cristian Teutla, 28
• Eddy Martinez, 44
• Laura Villegas, 60
• Nancy Villa, 40
• Miranda Mitchell, 21
• Rosalinda Hammond, 36
• Esther Guardado, 40
• Gerardo Sandoval, 40
• Jose Daniel Lemus, 36
• Danial Haywood, 36
• Liliana Granados, 27
• Bobby Johnson, 43
• Johnny Robinson, 40
• Francisco Arceo Amezquita, 42
• 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.

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.