Korea Town Gambling Houses Busted NR13430dm

Los Angeles:   The Asian Crime Unit, within the Gang Support Section of Gang and Narcotics Division, initiated an illegal gambling investigation in August 2013.  The investigation focused on several residences situated within the Korea Town community of Los Angeles that housed illegal gambling equipment, including slot machines and card tables.  The residences are privately owned and an onsite “gaming manager” would typically allow members of the public to enter and play, generally from mid-morning to late at night.

In the months preceding the investigation, the gambling locations had become a blight on the neighborhoods surrounding them.  A search warrant was secured by investigators, and on September 17th, 2013, approximately 100 officers assigned to Gang and Narcotics Division, augmented by resources from Olympic Division, converged on seven locations in the vicinity of Olympic Boulevard and Normandie Avenue.  Warrant service occurred simultaneously at 7:30 AM.

Several tenants and “gaming managers” were detained without incident.  Officers confiscated thirty-five slot machines and approximately $36,300.00 in U.S. currency.  Ten individuals were cited, and subsequently released, for 330(A) P.C., Illegal possession of a Slot machine, a misdemeanor.

The investigation is on-going regarding potential suspects responsible for organizing the multiple location operation.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact Gang & Narcotics Division, Lieutenant Mike Oppelt 213-486-5391. During non-business hours, weekends and holidays, contact LAPD’s RACR Division at 877 LAPD 247 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). To send text tips, text the word TIPLA, a space, and then your message to CRIMES (274637). To send web tips, log onto www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips”.