LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — Federal prosecutors allege a well-known restaurateur in Northwest Indiana was the leader of a wide-ranging illegal sports betting ring operating out of his businesses.
According to an 87-page indictment unsealed Wednesday, James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos and Dean “Dean Gem” Gialamas were the bosses of the Gerodemos Gambling Organization, headquartered at Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville, Indiana, and Paragon Restaurant in Hobart, Indiana.
Federal agents raided both restaurants owned by James Gerodemos Wednesday, along with his Schererville home, and properties in several states tied other defendants charged, including some relatives.
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Members of the organization went to great lengths to harass and threaten violence against bettors and their families and to track them down if their accrued debts weren’t paid, federal prosecutors allege…