LOS ANGELES, California — Two South Gate men have admitted to committing over a dozen armed robberies targeting casino patrons, stealing more than $274,600 in cash, chips, and property.
Dereck Nathan Lopez, a 22-year-old, and Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, a 23-year-old, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act. Both have been in federal custody since May 2025, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office.
The defendants used false identities to enter casinos, targeting gamblers who appeared to have won significant amounts. They followed victims from the casino, ambushed them on highways, brandished firearms, smashed vehicle windows, and demanded money or chips before fleeing, the release stated…