Two residents of South Gate, California, have been charged in connection with a series of bold robberies. According to investigators, they tracked down casino patrons who had won large sums and then ambushed them shortly after they left the premises. The suspects — 22-year-old Juan Gonzalez and 21-year-old Derek Lopez — are believed to be involved in at least 15 such incidents. On one night alone, three victims were attacked in succession. The FBI says the suspects entered casinos under false identities, identified big winners, followed them out, and then hunted them down on the highway.
They watched, selected, and waited. According to prosecutors, the scheme was well rehearsed. Gonzalez, Lopez, and their accomplices entered gaming halls posing as regular guests. Their targets were people cashing out large wins or collecting high-value chips. Once a victim exited the casino, a car carrying the assailants followed. On the road, the attacks were swift — the suspects blocked the vehicle, smashed windows, brandished weapons, and demanded money. In some cases, they struck in the parking lot itself, catching victims off guard and leaving no time to resist.
In one case, Lopez even befriended his target. Surveillance footage shows him congratulating a woman on her win, hugging her, patting her on the back, and giving her a high-five. An hour later, that same woman was stopped on the road. One of the assailants pointed a gun at her while another grabbed her bag. She lost $21,000. In another case, multiple bags were pulled from a car without any pretense of friendliness. Prosecutors say at least $130,000 was stolen, often in full view of witnesses, with firearms used to intimidate rather than conceal.
Both suspects now face the possibility of life imprisonment. In addition to the robbery charges, they are accused of possessing and using firearms during the crimes. Lopez’s situation is further complicated by a prior conviction. He was arrested late last year for possessing three firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition. Legally, he was already barred from owning weapons due to a previous theft conviction in San Bernardino County. Investigators believe the guns weren’t just for show — they were used as tools of coercion, forcing victims to surrender their winnings quietly.
This high-profile case is likely to have ripple effects across the industry. More people may be convinced that gambling from home via mobile apps is not only more convenient but also significantly safer. Apps from 1win, Megapari, and Melbet have long enjoyed growing popularity — and now that trend may accelerate further.
The case has drawn in multiple agencies. The investigation has involved the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the county sheriff, the California Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Gambling Control. Police from Montebello were also involved in specific incidents. Federal agents emphasize that the investigation is still ongoing. Additional suspects could face charges, and authorities are now looking into possible connections to similar crimes in Nevada and Arizona.