Recent events have seen a surge in gambling-related crimes across the United States as reported by various police departments. These range from cases of vehicular vandalism within a casino compound to the illicit functioning of gambling activities. Two individuals involved in extortion are also set to serve prolonged sentences in jail.
Vandalism at a California Casino Involving 35 Vehicles
A Californian man, identified as Matthew Ebner, aged 53, was apprehended following accusations of causing considerable damage to vehicles parked near or within the confines of the Table Mountain Casino. Accusations point towards Ebner having damaged as many as 35 vehicles within the duration of a month, according to local media outlets.
Ebner allegedly utilized handmade metal spikes to inflict damage which accounted for thousands of dollars. The police caught him red-handed and a subsequent search at his residence resulted in the discovery of several such spikes.
Ebner’s grudge against the casino appears to be the catalyst behind his destructive actions. After spending a brief stint in custody, he was released and the case was passed on to local prosecutors for further action.
Car Theft from Spokane Tribe Casino Parking Lot
In another car-oriented incident, a man was caught after stealing a vehicle from the parking lot of Washington’s Spokane Tribe Casino, subsequently crashing near the property. While the thief’s identity remains undisclosed, he was quickly apprehended by the Airway Heights Police Department as he attempted to flee.
Upon detainment, local law enforcement discovered that the man had an active arrest warrant due to previous misconduct. The damaged vehicle was eventually retrieved from a location near South Hayford Road on Highway 2.
Extended Prison Sentences for Two Convicted Extorters
A federal jury in Brooklyn, New York found Anthony Romanello guilty of extortionate collection of credit and conspiracy to commit similar crimes linked to gambling debt. Another man, Joseph Celso, was found guilty of conspiring to commit extortionate collection of credit. Romanello and Celso could face imprisonment of up to 40 and 20 years respectively.
To put this into context, Romanello, Celso and co-defendant Luan Bexheti, conspired to collect an outstanding gambling debt from a man, identified anonymously as John Doe #2, on behalf of his brother, John Doe #1. This led to John Doe #1 being physically assaulted by Romanello in a Manhattan restaurant when he offered to pay only part of the money. The next day, Celso issued a warning to John Doe #2, suggesting that the situation might escalate if the owed money was not paid.
Illegal California Casino Raided, Seven Arrested
In other news, a illegitimate casino operating out of a residential garage in Stockton, California was apprehended by local police on a recent Friday, leading to seven people being taken into custody. The officers discovered numerous gambling machines and four firearms on the premises.
The person running the operation, Tracy Harbutte, faced charges of managing an unlawful gambling establishment and animal cruelty.
