A federal search warrant was served Oct. 19 by approximately 200 law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local agencies, targeting an alleged illegal horse racing gambling operation in Wilder, Idaho.
According to an FBI press release, 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 charged in federal complaints filed in United States 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
The federal criminal complaints charge the defendants for their alleged roles in the operation
"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."
Local news outlets reported that a number of workers at the track were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. KTVB7 reported that an FBI press conference scheduled for Monday was canceled. The outlet also reported that a spokesperson clarified that ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations division was present to process individuals who were found to have potential immigration violations during the course of the investigation and that those people were not accused of being involved in illegal gambling.
The story did not list the number of people taken into custody by ICE.
The Canyon County Sheriff's Office; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement and Removal Operations; 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.
A complaint or arrest is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In an effort to find out the breed of horses allegedly competing at the track as well as how the horses were being handled following the enforcement action, BloodHorse contacted the phone number listed on the release for the FBI Salt Lake City press office but no one answered.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
