Duo robbed more than a dozen SoCal casino winners, until their luck ran out
Key takeaways
- Two men pleaded guilty Thursday to committing more than a dozen armed robberies targeting casino winners in Southern California.
- Derek Nathan Lopez, 22, and Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 23, both of South Gate, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery.
- Federal prosecutors said the men entered casinos in Los Angeles County with fake identities to scout for victims who looked like winners or who were about to cash in their chips.
Two men pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a series of freeway robberies targeting Southern California casino winners. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) By Ruben Vives Staff Writer Follow June 4, 2026 5 PM PT 3 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Two men pleaded guilty Thursday to committing more than a dozen armed robberies targeting casino winners in Southern California.
Derek Nathan Lopez, 22, and Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 23, both of South Gate, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery.