Northwest Indiana gambling and extortion case expands after 22 indictments
Updated
Updated · WLS-TV · Apr 30
Northwest Indiana gambling and extortion case expands after 22 indictments
9 articles · Updated · WLS-TV · Apr 30
Investigators said the alleged scheme ran from 2021 to April, naming James Gerodemos, Dean Gialamas and Burr Ridge restaurateur Filippo Rovito among those charged.
Prosecutors say leaders used Gino's Steak House in Merrillville and Paragon in Hobart, extending betting credit nationwide and using threats to collect unpaid debts.
Raids hit the restaurants on Wednesday, authorities said more victims and participants may emerge, and some charges carry maximum prison terms of 20 years.
How did two Indiana restaurants become the hub for a multi-state criminal gambling and extortion ring?
From Indiana to Cambodia, how are legitimate businesses like restaurants used to fuel global criminal gambling networks?
With illegal betting sites facing crackdowns, can legal gambling markets prevent the rise of such predatory enterprises?