SACRAMENTO COUNTY— A large-scale illegal gambling network operating out of residential neighborhoods across Northern California has been dismantled following a months-long investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, authorities announced this week.
Detectives began investigating the criminal organization in April 2025 after receiving information that individuals were allegedly violating California Penal Code sections related to illegal gambling and bookmaking. The investigation uncovered what officials described as a hierarchical organization operating eight illicit casinos throughout the region.
According to the sheriff’s office, the operation was allegedly managed by Theaplus Osborne, with multiple co-conspirators overseeing daily activities. Detectives identified Dana Green, James Frazier, Herman Hawkins and Thurston Bershell as additional suspects involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Investigators determined the illegal casinos were being run out of residential neighborhoods, generating repeated calls for service and ongoing complaints from community members. Authorities documented numerous violent incidents tied to the locations, including assaults, large fights and firearms-related crimes.
“Documented incidents associated with these operations included an individual chased while a firearm was brandished, a woman shoved to the ground during a confrontation, and large fights involving guns. This is the type of criminal activity illegal casinos attract into neighborhoods,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
Financial investigators further determined that the organization allegedly laundered more than $1.4 million between January 2024 and July 2025.
On Feb. 19, 2026, detectives executed search warrants at nine locations connected to the operation and arrested multiple suspects. During the coordinated enforcement action, authorities seized 16 illegally possessed firearms, multiple high-capacity magazines, more than $100,000 in bulk cash, approximately 13 gambling machines and more than 60 computers used for illicit online gambling activities.
Sheriff’s officials said the operation dismantled what they described as a significant illegal gambling network impacting residential communities throughout the region.
“This enforcement action dismantled a large-scale illegal gambling network operating in our region and impacting residential communities,” the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation remains ongoing. Charges will be formally filed through the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
