Defendants Plead Not Guilty in Illegal Gambling Operation at Wilder Horse Racing Track
In a federal court in Boise, Idaho, the fifth defendant involved in an alleged illegal gambling operation at a horse racing track in Wilder pleaded not guilty. Dayana Fajardo faces charges related to illegal gambling activities connected to horse race betting. Court documents claim that Fajardo was involved in taking wagers, collecting and paying gambling proceeds during race days at the operation. Despite her emotional reaction during the hearing, Fajardo was not cooperative with law enforcement during her arrest, leading to a struggle before she was detained.
The four other defendants in the case, Ivan Tellez, Samuel Bejarano, Alejandro Torres Estrada, and Cesar Orozco, also entered not guilty pleas. They were indicted on charges related to illegal gambling in connection with horse race betting, with Bejarano and Tellez facing an additional charge of transmitting wagering information. If convicted, the defendants could be required to forfeit property linked to the alleged gambling operation, including the La Catedral Arena where the horse racing occurred, and surrender over $40,000 in allegedly earned gambling proceeds.
The penalties for the illegal gambling charges include up to five years in prison, three years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. Tellez and Bejarano could face an additional two years in prison, three years of probation, and a $250,000 fine if convicted on the transmission of wagering information charge. While Tellez, Torres, and Orozco were released ahead of trial, Bejarano remains in custody due to an immigration hold. Fajardo will be held for a day to establish a release plan, with a hearing scheduled to review the conditions of her release.
A pretrial hearing for all defendants is set for December 4, with jury selection to follow on December 15. The legal proceedings continue as the defendants face the charges brought against them in connection with the alleged illegal gambling operation at the horse racing track in Wilder.