Two South Gate men admit robbing casino winners
Derek Nathan Lopez and Juan Gabriel Gonzalez pleaded guilty in a federal case tied to robberies of Southern California casino patrons. Prosecutors linked them to at least 15 robberies and attempted robberies in 2023.
Two South Gate men, ages 22 and 23, pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal robbery count after prosecutors said they targeted people leaving Los Angeles County casinos with winnings. The scheme ran from May through December 2023 and involved fake identities used inside casinos to look for victims.
The robberies included armed ambushes on freeway onramps after victims left places such as Hustler Casino, Parkwest Bicycle Casino and Commerce Casino & Hotel. Prosecutors said $274,000 in cash, chips and other property was taken, and sentencing is scheduled for August.