LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer today announced that misdemeanor charges were filed against 19 people allegedly connected to an illegal casino across the street from Sunland Park.
“This wasn't just some poker game among a few friends. We allege this was an illegal casino, right across the street from Sunland Recreation Center, where kids play,'' Feuer said. “Locations like we allege here can cause real problems for neighborhoods, be magnets for crime and flout public health orders tied to the pandemic.''
Feuer's office said the alleged casino had computerized gambling machines and slot machines, and was operating in the 8700 block of Foothill Boulevard.
Each defendant was charged with one count of violating L.A.'s municipal code section on unlawful presence at gambling, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or by both a fine and imprisonment. One of the defendants was also charged with violating the California Penal Code section on possession or control of a slot machine, which is punishable by the same fine and prison term.
Some of the defendants had previously been convicted for gambling-related violations, according to Feuer's office.
The misdemeanor complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles as part of Feuer's Neighborhood Prosecutor Program, which focuses on public safety and quality of life priorities that traditional law enforcement doesn't resolve. Angelenos can contact their Neighborhood Prosecutor with any concerns they have about crime in the community.
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