Five people have been arrested and a sixth is being sought in a sting operation by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
The investigation, which began during January in Columbus, uncovered professional gambling on Mexican soccer team games, with bettors promised opportunities to win up to $5,000 on a $10 wager.
Search warrants were issued April 29 and served at Mi Tierra and La Guanajuato, two Columbus grocery stores where several of the arrests were made.
Mauricio Nolasco-Vazquez, 55, Indianapolis, was arrested on charges of felony corrupt business influence and felony professional gambling and promoting professional gambling, Bartholomew Circuit Court documents state.
Three other individuals, also arrested April 29, face felony charges of professional gambling and promoting professional gambling:
- Oswaldo Martinez-Ramirez, 31, 2554 Sycamore St., Columbus, identified in court documents as a butcher at Mi Tierra.
- Jessica Hernandez-Cruz, 34, 2719 Tyler Drive, Columbus, identified as a cashier at La Guanajuato.
- Florencio Roblero-Aguilar, 37, Indianapolis, identified as working at La Guanajuato.
A fifth person, Manuel Villalbazo, 48, 1902 Indiana Ave., Columbus, was arrested the same day on a felony charge of promoting professional gambling. He was identified in court documents as manager of Mi Tierra.
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
