Simi Sting Captures 50 Despite Publicity
An undercover police sting operation in Simi Valley that was publicized in a local newspaper netted 50 suspects Saturday, far less than the number originally expected, authorities said.
“A week ago, we were expecting about 330 people,” Simi Valley Police Sgt. Andy McCluskey said. “The publicity reduced it significantly.”
The suspects were arrested as they walked into the Posada Royale Quality Inn. They had been sent letters promising free lottery tickets and a chance to win the Big Spin, a multimillion-dollar lottery game, if they showed up at the hotel. The greeters turned out to be police officers, not lottery officials.
The suspects were wanted on warrants for--among other things--bounced checks violations and minor traffic infractions, McCluskey said. The total bail for all arrested suspects was more than $109,000, he said.
The Simi Valley newspaper, the Enterprise, drew angry reactions from prosecutors after it published an article last week saying that the sting would take place.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
