Casino Crime Roundup: California Cops Arrest Seven in Illegal Casino Raid

Posted on: December 12, 2023, 07:09h. 

Last updated on: December 15, 2023, 10:21h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Stockton, Calif. police arrested seven suspects after raiding an illegal casino operating in the garage of a private residence on Friday.

Stockton, Calif. police car
A Stockton, Calif. police car pictured above. Officers raided an illegal casino and arrested seven suspects. (Image: Stockton Police)

During the search, police found four firearms and several casino games, according to California TV station KTXL.

Tracy Harbutte, 36, was identified as the owner of the residence. She was charged with operating an illegal gambling establishment and animal cruelty.

The other suspects are Phansy Hea, 41, Jessie Taylor, 29, Ariana Flores, 19, Briana Flores, 18, Eric Hall, 18, and an unnamed 16-year-old.

They were arrested on gun charges and outstanding warrants.

35 Flat Tires Near Casino

A man was arrested after he allegedly set up a device that punctured the tires of 35-plus cars at or near California’s Table Mountain Casino’s parking lot.

Matthew Ebner, 53, of Dos Palos, Calif., was arrested last week for vandalism in connection with the incidents, according to California TV station KSEE.

Over three months, some 35 vehicles had their tires damaged after driving in the casino parking lot or operating on a nearby road. They each had driven over homemade metal spikes, which got lodged in their tires, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office revealed.

Damage to the vehicles totaled thousands of dollars, authorities said.

Ebner was identified as a possible suspect after officers spotted a truck that was traced back to him. Police then searched Ebner’s residence, where metal spikes were located last Wednesday.

It was later revealed that Ebner was engaged in a dispute with the casino, according to the sheriff’s office. Police didn’t release details on the disagreement.

Ebner was booked at the Fresno County Jail. He’s since been released, according to online jail records, and his case has been turned over to local prosecutors.

Car Stolen at Spokane Tribe Casino

A man stole a car from the Spokane Tribe Casino on Monday night before crashing it near the Washington State gaming property. The Airway Heights Police Department then apprehended the unnamed suspect as he tried to flee from the accident site.

Police also determined the suspect had a pending warrant for his arrest in connection with a prior incident.

The damaged vehicle was located on Highway 2 near South Hayford Road. A damage estimate wasn’t immediately available from police.