Cashing In on the Bell Poker Club

Then-City Administrator John Pitts orchestrated a conspiracy in 1977 to create a poker club in Bell in exchange for a hidden share in its profits. Pitts, former Councilman Pete Werrlein Jr. and three others pleaded guilty to the scheme in which the city officials formed a secret partnership with prospective poker club investors, promoted city ordinances that paved the way for the gambling business, then ensured these investors got the available gambling license. In exchange for setting up the scheme, Pitts and Werrlein secretly received 51% ownership of the club. Pitts, among others, testified against George and Jean Dadanian, who in 1981 agreed to hold Pitts’ hidden interest in the club.

John Pitts, city administrator. Pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud. In 1977, he conceived of poker club plan in Bell and how he could profit from it.

Pete Werrlein Jr., councilman. Pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud and conducting an illegal gambling business. Enlisted by Pitts and Carl and Daniel Abajian, he introduced ordinances to council.

Kevin Kirwan, lawyer. Pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud. Publicly held Werrlein’s and Pitts’ 51% club share until Pitts’ interest was transferred to the Dadanians.

George Dadanian, Los Angeles jeweler. Convicted of seven counts of mail fraud, racketeering, interstate travel in aid of racketeering and conducting an illegal gambling business. Along with his brother, was the public owner of Pitts’ secret shares and funneled poker club profits to Pitts from 1981 to 1983.

Jean Dadanian, Los Angeles jeweler. Convicted of five counts of mail fraud and conducting an illegal gambling business.

Carl and Daniel Abajian, Cudahy businessmen. Pleaded guilty to conducting an illegal gambling business. Planned scheme with Pitts. Held secret interest in club.

John Gasparian, businessman. Held, in his name, the Abajians’ secret shares. Received immunity in exchange for testimony, provided prosecution with 115 conversations he taped with business partners. John Simonian, club partner. Awaiting trial on 11 counts of mail fraud, racketeering and conducting an illegal gambling business.