5 Arrested in Gambling Investigation
After a two-year investigation, Ventura County sheriff’s detectives said they arrested five people Sunday after searching three homes and finding $65,000 in cash and evidence of illegal gambling.
Detectives arrested Joseph John Delatorre, 52, Anthony Phillip Delatorre, 33, and Amber Lee Gill, 23, all of Oxnard; and Heath Martin Delatorre, 30, and Taguiped Kerminar, 63, both of Newbury Park.
Sheriff’s detectives served search warrants at 9 a.m. Sunday at one Newbury Park and two Oxnard residences, where they said they seized evidence of illegal gambling, including wagering cards, lists of gamblers and “pay/owe” sheets.
During the search, detectives said, they also answered several telephone calls from people calling in wagers.
Detectives said those involved are believed to be responsible for distributing as much as $4,000 worth of wagering cards per week in Ventura and nearby counties. Gamblers who use the cards place bets on college and professional football and basketball games, according to a sheriff’s spokesman.
Detectives said the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Bill Stevens at 654-2946.
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