Two South Gate men face federal charges, accused of preying on casino gamblers and robbing them of their winnings in more than a dozen highway robberies. Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, has been taken into custody and had his initial court appearance scheduled for today, while Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, will soon follow suit from state custody.
According to court documents, the duo used false identities to scout their victims inside local casinos, strategically selecting those who had substantial wins. After spotting their targets, they are accused by the Department of Justice. Lopez and Gonzalez, alongside other conspirators, followed the unsuspecting gamblers, intercepted them on the highway, and forcefully took their winnings. In one instance, he failed to even notice Lopez celebrating with a victim before robbing her shortly after.
Specifically, the indictment, which spans 10 counts, charges them with multiple instances of interference with commerce by robbery, attempted interference, Hobbs Act conspiracy, as well as using firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence. Notably, Lopez found at his home were three firearms and ammunition, which, due to a prior conviction, ban him from possessing, adding charges of being a felon in possession to his list.
These indictments shed light on Operation Safe Cities, an initiative focused on apprehending individuals who significantly contribute to violent crime. As noted by the Department of Justice, targeting crimes like these is vital in addressing the damage caused by a small number of violent offenders and in bolstering public safety.
