E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Two South Gate men have been charged in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting gamblers for their casino winnings. The federal indictment, unsealed today, accuses Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, of committing over a dozen highway robberies.
Gonzalez has been arrested and is set to make his initial appearance in federal court. Lopez remains in state custody but is expected to appear in federal court soon. Both face multiple counts under the Hobbs Act for interference and attempted interference with commerce by robbery, along with charges related to using firearms during these crimes. Additionally, Lopez faces a charge for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The indictment details how Lopez and Gonzalez allegedly entered casinos under false identities to identify gamblers cashing large sums. They then followed victims from the casino, ambushed them on highways, brandished weapons, smashed vehicle windows, demanded money or chips, and fled the scene. The pair are accused of conducting such robberies on at least 15 occasions.
In one incident captured on surveillance video, Lopez was seen celebrating a gambling win with a victim he later targeted. Within an hour of this interaction, co-conspirators reportedly blocked her vehicle and stole $21,000 in cash. Another incident involved the theft of at least $130,000 in casino winnings by Lopez and Gonzalez.
Lopez also faces charges for possessing three firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition found at his residence in December 2023. His criminal history includes a conviction for grand theft from November 2023.
An indictment represents allegations that must be proven in court; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted on all charges, each could face life imprisonment.
This case is part of Operation Safe Cities which aims to prosecute key drivers of violent crime through strategic enforcement priorities across the region. This approach targets illicit gun use and robbery crews causing significant losses to retail establishments.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including 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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe are leading the prosecution.
