Two South Gate men face federal charges for allegedly committing a series of armed robberies targeting gamblers leaving local casinos. The indictment, unsealed today, accuses Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, of orchestrating over a dozen such heists.
Gonzalez has been arrested and is scheduled to appear in federal court. Lopez remains in state custody and is expected to appear in federal court soon. They face multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and using firearms during violent crimes. Additionally, Lopez faces charges as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The indictment details how Lopez and Gonzalez allegedly used false identities to enter casinos and identify victims who had won significant amounts or cashed in large chips. The suspects reportedly followed these individuals from the casino before ambushing them on highways. Armed with firearms, they would break vehicle windows to demand money or chips before fleeing the scene.
One documented incident involved Lopez celebrating with a victim after her gambling win at a casino; shortly thereafter, his associates allegedly robbed her vehicle at gunpoint for $21,000. In another case, the group reportedly stole $130,000 in winnings.
Lopez's additional charge stems from being found with three firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition at his home in December 2023. His criminal history includes a grand theft conviction from November 2023 that legally prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court. If convicted on all counts, both men could face life sentences in federal prison.
Operation Safe Cities focuses on prosecuting key drivers of violent crime by targeting individuals engaged in dangerous activities like those alleged against Lopez and Gonzalez. This initiative aims to enhance public safety by concentrating on crimes involving illegal weapons possession or organized robbery crews causing substantial harm to communities.
The investigation involves several law enforcement agencies: the FBI; Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; Los Angeles Police Department; California Highway Patrol; California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control; and Montebello Police Department.
Prosecutors Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe from the Violent and Organized Crime Section are handling this case.