Summary
- The duo would frequent casinos in California to identify potential victims.
- They aim to track individuals who have won several thousand.
- The majority of the attacks occurred on highways, where the pair held up their victims at gunpoint.
Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of robberies targeting casino patrons. Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, will appear in court separately. They face multiple charges, including interference and attempted interference with commerce by robbery, which could result in lengthy prison sentences.
Highway robbers may face up to life imprisonment if convicted
Gonzalez and Lopez devised a nefarious plan to scour California casinos, seeking out individuals who appeared to be on a winning streak. They would engage these potential victims in conversation to gather information about them. Once their targets left the casino, Gonzalez and Lopez would forcefully intercept them on the highway. At gunpoint, they demanded the victims turn over their money and any casino chips they had, which the duo would later exchange for cash at the casinos. In one notable instance, they robbed a woman of $21,000 and conducted three similar heists in a single night. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, they committed approximately 15 robberies in total. Gonzalez and Lopez did not operate alone; they had accomplices. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California confirmed in a press release that the duo was aided by co-conspirators.
Unsuspecting victims lost thousands of dollars to the violent robbers
The pair is believed to have stolen at least $130,000 in casino winnings from their victims. Considering their criminal history and recent offenses, they could face life imprisonment if convicted of the numerous charges against them. The duo, along with their accomplices, reportedly targeted individuals near casinos, attempting to rob them as they were leaving. Additionally, police discovered a firearm and ammunition at Lopez's residence, which worsens his situation since he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
