California Cardroom Predators Plead Guilty in $274,000 Armed Robbery Spree

Two men who preyed on winners at Southern California cardrooms have pleaded guilty to federal robbery charges, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

The pair, 22-year-old Dereck Nathan Lopez and his accomplice, ran a months-long robbery crew that tracked victims from cardrooms across Los Angeles County, ambushing them at gunpoint after they left the gambling venues with their winnings.

Over the course of their spree, the duo stole more than $274,000 in total cash, personal property, and casino winnings from their victims.

The guilty pleas mark the conclusion of a lengthy federal investigation into the violent string of robberies targeting casino patrons. Prosecutors noted that the case sends a clear message that violent crimes against casino visitors will be met with serious, lengthy federal prison sentences.

This report first appeared on Casino.org.