Two men who targeted winners from cardrooms across Southern California are finally going to face the consequences of their actions, having stolen more than $274,000 worth of cash and property from their victims.
The duo finally pleaded guilty last Thursday, admitting to robbery charges, and will receive leniency on their final sentencing as a result of this cooperation. However, both D. N. L. and J. G. G. are looking at lengthy prison time, and are facing 14 years in a federal prison.
Guilty as Charged, But a Plea Bargain Works
However, the court would still have to approve the recommended sentence. The duo was prolific in their crimes, ambushing victims by tracking them down in their vehicle and ambushing them on a highway off-ramp.
They would smash the victims’ vehicles and demand money while holding them at gunpoint, and went on a spree, robbing 15 people between May and December 2023, resulting in the six-figure sum stolen in cash, designer goods, and other goods.
One particularly big hit concerns two victims identified simply as Z.G. and G.Y. The two perpetrators had other accomplices as well, but it will usually be a single person checking out a casino and alerting others about possible victims.
In one such case from June 17, 2023, D. N. L. and J. G. G., along with a third accomplice, went to the Parkwest Bicycle Casino where they spotted a pair of people who were cashing out a large number of chips.
The culprits alerted other members of what was later discovered to be a larger group, and went after the casino patrons – soon to be added to the victim list. The group attacked the victims as they were exiting Interstate 710, and eventually forced their car to a stop.
Huge Score Worth in the Moment – Up to 14 Years in Prison Next
The information was good, and they reportedly took $130,000 in cash from the pair. Adding to the sentence is not only the acts committed during the recent bout of crimes, but also other infringements.
D. N. L for example, also possessed a gun, which was not allowed given his criminal history. He was previously convicted of grand theft in San Bernardino County.
Both suspects will be sentenced in August and can most likely expect near full terms of their sentences. Parole is likely to be an option.