Indictments Issued in Illegal Gambling Operation: The Case of Ivan Tellez, Samuel Bejarano, and Others
Five individuals were indicted for their involvement in an illegal gambling operation related to horse race betting. Ivan Tellez, Samuel Bejarano, Alejandro Torres Estrada, Cesar Orozco, and Dayana Fajardo pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bejarano and Tellez are also facing an additional charge of transmitting wagering information. The defendants could potentially lose property, including La Catedral Arena, and over $40,000 in alleged gambling earnings if convicted.
Tellez, the owner of the arena, and Bejarano, who allegedly acted as the bookkeeper, are among the accused. Torres and Orozco are implicated in transporting gambling proceeds. While Tellez, Torres, and Orozco were released before trial, Bejarano remains in custody due to an immigration hold. The penalties for the illegal gambling charges could result in up to five years in prison, three years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Tellez and Bejarano may face an extra two years in prison, three years of probation, and a $250,000 fine for the transmission of wagering information charge.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for December 4, with jury selection slated to commence on December 15.