Ex-Poker Parlor Boss Pleads Guilty
A Montebello businessman who once managed one of Southern California’s largest poker parlors pleaded guilty Friday to a fraud charge growing out of a scheme to bribe Bell city officials into granting a gambling license to the parlor.
Jack Simonian, 63, former manager of the California Bell Club, entered his plea on a charge of one count of mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter. Simonian is free on bail pending sentencing Oct. 27. He faces up to five years in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Simonian is the last of seven men indicted nearly three years ago. His case was delayed while he underwent treatment for heart ailments, Assistant U.S. Atty. Fred Heather said.
The other defendants named in the December, 1983, indictment have all either pleaded guilty or been convicted on various fraud and racketeering charges.
Simonian was accused of conspiring to influence the Bell City Council to grant a gambling license to the club.
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