Federal Indictment in Indiana Gambling Ring
Federal Prosecutors Indict Gambling Ring Members
A judge has prohibited Andrew Nguyen, among 21 others, from gambling as a condition of release after being indicted in a suspected illegal gambling operation. Nguyen’s legal counsel revealed that he was also a victim of extortion in the same case to justify his ability to resume his career as a video poker player.
Allegations and Indictments
A federal grand jury returned a 28-count indictment linked to an unlawful gambling network executed from two restaurants in Northwest Indiana. U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred announced that charges against 22 individuals encompass conspiracy and money laundering involving extortion to recover gambling debts.
The indictment covers alleged criminal activities occurring from January 2021 to April 2026.
Key figures named in the indictment include James Gerodemos, known as “Jimmy the Greek”, and Dean Gialamas, also known as “Dean Gem”. They were accused of leading the Gerodemos Gambling Organization, which allegedly operated out of Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville and Paragon in Hobart.
Defendants’ Responses and Court Proceedings
All defendants pleaded not guilty during the arraignment on May 14. Nguyen’s attorney, Vadim Glozman, emphasized his client’s limited involvement in transmitting one text to Gerodemos and introducing individuals for bets.
Nguyen, identified as Victim 3, owed $7,500. Records indicated Gerodemos had threatened him to collect debts. Nguyen responded critically to the demand for money in text exchanges with Gerodemos.
Prosecutors Seek Further Legal Action
Government prosecutors are contemplating a superseding RICO indictment. They aim for Gialamas, arrested previously and released, to return to custody due to allegations of involvement in recruitment and finance for extortion schemes.
Gialamas, along with another defendant, Alexander Gagianas, could face further detention if prosecutors succeed.
Complex Web of Involvement
Allegations suggest Gialamas connections to others in demanding substantial sums allegedly owed. Victim 1 claimed threats from associates tied to Gialamas, who supposedly held accountability for others’ losses.
Evidence from federal interviews, undercover recordings, and Gialamas’ iCloud account contributes to the prosecution’s case. Law enforcement tapped Gialamas’ phone, capturing him expressing a readiness for collectors’ use of force on debtors.
Filings against other defendants, including Basam Ibrahim, persist, with some seeking revised court hearing outcomes, opposed by federal authorities.