Posted on: June 5, 2026, 02:32h.
Last updated on: June 5, 2026, 02:32h.
- Two individuals confessed to targeting casino jackpot winners throughout Los Angeles County
- Robbery group absconded with over $274,000 in cash and valuables
- Victims were shadowed from gambling establishments and attacked at gunpoint
Two men who victimized winners at Southern California gaming venues have pled guilty to robbery offenses, as confirmed by federal prosecutors on Thursday.
Dereck Nathan Lopez, age 22, and Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, age 23, both hailing from South Gate, California, admitted to scouting cardrooms for potential victims who appeared to have significant winnings.
The duo would follow their targets before ambushing them in their vehicles, typically at highway offramps, smashing windows with firearms and demanding cash while donning ski masks. The indictment notes that all victims identified were Asian.
Big Game Predators
Lopez and Gonzalez executed at least 15 robberies and attempted heists between May and December 2023, unlawfully acquiring close to $274,000 in cash, casino chips, designer items, passports, and additional possessions, as per court documents.
Prosecutors revealed that they utilized California driver’s licenses under different names to gain access to cardrooms across Los Angeles County, which included Hustler Casino in Gardena, Parkwest Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, and Commerce Casino & Hotel in Commerce.
In a notable incident on the evening of June 17, 2023, Lopez and Gonzalez, alongside unnamed accomplices, visited the Parkwest Bicycle Casino to seek out a potential victim.
While there, Lopez identified two patrons, referred to in court documents as Z.G. and G.Y., cashing in a significant amount of casino chips. Believing they would be carrying considerable cash, he communicated to his partners via phone, keeping them updated on the pair’s movements.
After Z.G. and G.Y. exited the casino, several members of the group trailed behind. Upon the victims leaving Interstate 710, the conspirators maneuvered their vehicles, surrounding them and forcing a stop.
Once the victims came to a halt, two robbers approached with weapons drawn, commanding them to relinquish “everything” they had. The group then seized roughly $130,000 in cash before fleeing the scene.
Expected 14-Year Sentence
Alongside taking accountability for the robberies, federal prosecutors noted that Lopez confessed to possessing three firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition without authorization.
Lopez was barred from firearm possession due to his criminal background, which includes a grand theft conviction in San Bernardino County.
Lopez and Gonzalez are slated for sentencing in August. Under their plea agreements, both prosecutors and defendants have consented to a proposed sentence of 14 years in federal prison, pending court approval.