Authorities Say Gambler’s Tip Led to Crackdown on Bookie Ring

Acting on a tip from an indebted gambler, Orange County investigators cracked a bookmaking ring that handled hundreds of thousands of dollars a week at offices in four counties, authorities said.

The “preliminary investigation indicates this is an interstate operation,” Deputy Dist. Atty. James Mulgrew said in a prepared statement.

The alleged bookmakers took bets on basketball, baseball, horse racing and other events, with many gamblers placing $1,000 bets, said investigators for the district attorney’s office, who are handling the case.

On May 3, police served seven search warrants in Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara counties, Mulgrew said. Arrested were Donn Stout, 32, of Anaheim; Kevin Ray, 32, of Fullerton and Michael Rhoades, 32, of Victorville. A fourth suspect, Philip Charles Ronis, 42, of Santa Barbara, surrendered Monday at Orange County Jail.

Investigators declined to say whether the ring was linked to organized crime.

Seven local police agencies cooperated in the arrests, which were the result of a two-week investigation. The suspects were booked on charges of felony bookmaking and conspiracy, and were released on bail. Their arraignments have been scheduled for later this month.