WILDER, ID - On Sunday, October 19, federal agents descended on a Canyon County horse racing facility where they arrested four people.
The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation, KTVB reported. There was a public horse racing event scheduled when law enforcement began the rai, and many people were there in attendance. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was also on the scene and witnesses reported that ICE detained at least 50 people.
"Illegal gambling isn't a victimless crime," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "These operations can create an increase in violent crime drug activity, and violence, putting communities at risk. I'm grateful for the collaboration and partnerships on the federal, state, and local level. Together, we're working to keep our communities safe."
In a statement, the FBI said that four people were arrested and charged with federal complaints: Ivan Tellez,37, of Wilder, Idaho; Samuel Bejarano, 37, of Nyssa, Oregon; Dayana Fajardo, 39, of Nyssa, Oregon; and Alejandro Estrada, 56, of Buhl, Idaho.
The FBI conducted what it described as "court-ordered activity" at a property in Wilder regarding Tellez, the alleged owner and operator of the property. The business is registered as La Catedral Arena LLC. According to the FBI's Salt Lake City Office, about 200 law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local agencies executed the warrant on October 19 at the property.
Immigration attorney Nikki Ramirez told KTVB that the detainees are being processed in Boise and Mountain Home, but there is no exact location where they are being held. She said that she was told some undocumented people have been released, but that any detainees transferred to ICE detention centers could be sent to Seattle, Las Vegas, New Mexico or anywhere in the country.
Idaho State Police (ISP) confirmed it was assisting the FBI with the investigation. The Canyon County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) also confirmed its involvement. Along with ISP, CCSO, and the FBI, it was observed that ICE agents and DEA agents were on the property.
Public records from the Idaho Secretary of State's website show the raid comes after federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against the property owner on October 15. Agents began investigating in February after receiving a tip from a private citizen about gambling at horse races in Wilder. The informant told agents that Tellez owned the property where the races were held.
Documents claim that Tellez made a significant number of cash deposits to three different bank accounts at Zions Bank of the past 24 months. Many of the deposits made to the La Catedral Areana LLC account occurred within one to two days after races were held at La Catedral Arena. The total deposited into the La Catedral Arena bank account was approximately $100,000.
Based on the investigation, law enforcement also believes Fajardo allegedly assisted in taking wagers and paying and collecting proceeds on race days. They believe six to 11 horse owners provided horses for races and managed decision-making authority over race organization and dates, betting pools and race entry requirements.
If convicted, Tellez could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. Tellez faces one count of conducting an illegal gambling business under federal law.
The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation, KTVB reported. There was a public horse racing event scheduled when law enforcement began the rai, and many people were there in attendance. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was also on the scene and witnesses reported that ICE detained at least 50 people.
"Illegal gambling isn't a victimless crime," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "These operations can create an increase in violent crime drug activity, and violence, putting communities at risk. I'm grateful for the collaboration and partnerships on the federal, state, and local level. Together, we're working to keep our communities safe."
In a statement, the FBI said that four people were arrested and charged with federal complaints: Ivan Tellez,37, of Wilder, Idaho; Samuel Bejarano, 37, of Nyssa, Oregon; Dayana Fajardo, 39, of Nyssa, Oregon; and Alejandro Estrada, 56, of Buhl, Idaho.
The FBI conducted what it described as "court-ordered activity" at a property in Wilder regarding Tellez, the alleged owner and operator of the property. The business is registered as La Catedral Arena LLC. According to the FBI's Salt Lake City Office, about 200 law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local agencies executed the warrant on October 19 at the property.
Immigration attorney Nikki Ramirez told KTVB that the detainees are being processed in Boise and Mountain Home, but there is no exact location where they are being held. She said that she was told some undocumented people have been released, but that any detainees transferred to ICE detention centers could be sent to Seattle, Las Vegas, New Mexico or anywhere in the country.
Idaho State Police (ISP) confirmed it was assisting the FBI with the investigation. The Canyon County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) also confirmed its involvement. Along with ISP, CCSO, and the FBI, it was observed that ICE agents and DEA agents were on the property.
Public records from the Idaho Secretary of State's website show the raid comes after federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against the property owner on October 15. Agents began investigating in February after receiving a tip from a private citizen about gambling at horse races in Wilder. The informant told agents that Tellez owned the property where the races were held.
Documents claim that Tellez made a significant number of cash deposits to three different bank accounts at Zions Bank of the past 24 months. Many of the deposits made to the La Catedral Areana LLC account occurred within one to two days after races were held at La Catedral Arena. The total deposited into the La Catedral Arena bank account was approximately $100,000.
Based on the investigation, law enforcement also believes Fajardo allegedly assisted in taking wagers and paying and collecting proceeds on race days. They believe six to 11 horse owners provided horses for races and managed decision-making authority over race organization and dates, betting pools and race entry requirements.
If convicted, Tellez could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. Tellez faces one count of conducting an illegal gambling business under federal law.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments