FBI, Partner Agencies Make Arrests in Illegal Gambling Operation

A federal search warrant was served on October 19 by approximately 200 law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local agencies, targeting an illegal gambling operation in Wilder, Idaho. An investigation by the Salt Lake City FBI’s Boise Resident Agency, in coordination with the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, led to the discovery of an illegal gambling business at a horse track on a property called La Cathedral Arena. Four individuals who were charged in federal complaints filed in U.S. District Court were taken into custody: Ivan Tellez, 37, of Wilder, Idaho Samuel Bejarano, 37, of Nyssa, Oregon Dayana Fajardo, 39, of Nyssa, Oregon Alejandro Estrada, 56, of Buhl, Idaho “Illegal gambling isn’t a victimless crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “These operations can create an increase in violent crime, drug activity, and violence, putting communities at risk. I’m grateful for the collaboration and partnerships on the federal, state, and local level. Together, we’re working to keep our communities safe.” The federal criminal complaints charge the defendants for their alleged roles in the operation. The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO); the Drug Enforcement Administration; Idaho State Police; Idaho Department of Corrections; Nampa Police Department; Caldwell Police Department; and FBI Seattle and Portland field offices assisted in this operation. Cesar Orozco, 45, the fifth subject who was charged in a federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court was taken into custody this evening in Meridian, Idaho. Reports suggesting young children were zip-tied or hit with rubber bullets during the October 19 FBI-led operation in Wilder are completely false.