Andrew Nguyen, involved in an illegal gambling case in Northwest Indiana, faces a ban on gambling as a release condition. Recently, his lawyer revealed that Nguyen was also a victim of extortion related to this case. During a press conference at the U.S. District Courthouse in Hammond, U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred announced charges against 22 individuals, following a federal grand jury’s 28-count indictment. The charges include conspiracy, extortion, and money laundering, linked to alleged illegal gambling at two Northwest Indiana restaurants.
The indictment depicts a complex network of involved bookies and bettors. James Gerodemos, known as ‘Jimmy the Greek,’ and Dean Gialamas, referred to as ‘Dean Gem,’ are identified as leaders of the ring. Allegedly, they operated out of Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville and Paragon in Hobart. All defendants pleaded not guilty in a recent court hearing.
The legal team disclosed that Nguyen merely sent a text in 2024 regarding previous bets. This minimal involvement has been highlighted in defense arguments.
Nguyen, listed as Victim 3 in the indictment, reportedly owed $7,500, leading Gerodemos to send threatening messages.
Federal prosecutors, considering a superseding RICO indictment, also focus on Gialamas’ release. He was arrested in Puerto Rico and is deemed a flight risk with over $8 million in mysterious assets. The prosecution seeks to revoke his bail, citing his extensive involvement.
Authorities outline a separate incident where Gialamas blamed Victim 1 and another person, Collector 1, for a $488,000 loss by Bettor E. An operation to retrieve funds from them involved deception and intimidation, as revealed in legal documents.
The May 22 filing details Victim 1’s experience with “two unidentified Hispanic males” who visited him for the money. Fearing for his safety, he contacted law enforcement.
Evidence against Gialamas, sourced from his iCloud account and undercover recordings, paints a detailed picture of his operations. He reportedly expressed frustration in wire-tapped conversations, instructing collectors to use any necessary means to extract debts.
Co-defendant Basam Ibrahim’s lawyer has sought a new hearing for his client’s release, facing government opposition.