Nearly two dozen people have been named in a federal gambling and extortion indictment that led to the FBI and IRS raiding two Northwest Indiana restaurants and other locations on Wednesday morning.
The FBI dubbed this “Operation Porterhouse Parlay.”
A nod to the restaurants alleged to have been involved.
It reads like a Chicago Outfit indictment.
Nicknames include “Jimmy the Greek,” “Donnie Brasco,” “Chuckie Hoffa,” “Paulie Scarf,” “Alex Gyros” and “Rami Straight Flush.”
They were alleged to be leaders, bookies, collectors and enforcers.
“A federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana returned a 28-count indictment charging James Gerodemos, a/k/a ‘Jimmy the Greek,’ James Gialamas, a/k/a ‘Dean Gem,’ Chris Gerodemos, and 19 others with running an illegal gambling conspiracy extortion conspiracy that used extortionate means to collect gambling debts and launder the money,” said US Attorney Adam Mildred during a press conference in Hammond.
Mike Krauser
“This was not a case of harmless or casual gambling,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Tim O’Malley. “It was part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior that included coercion, intimidation and financial exploitation.”
According to the indictment, Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville and the Paragon Restaurant in Hobart were part of the alleged operation.
Search warrants were executed at both as well as other locations, including homes.
The following is a press release from the US Attorney's office:
U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred Announces Indictment in Operation “Porterhouse Parlay” Alleging an Illegal Gambling Conspiracy, Extortion, and Money Laundering HAMMOND – On April 16, 2026, a federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana, returned a 28-count indictment charging James L. Gerodemos a/k/a “Jimmy the Greek,” Dean Gialamos a/k/a “Dean Gem,” Chris L. Gerodemos, and nineteen others with running an illegal gambling conspiracy that used extortionate means to collect gambling debts and laundered the money, among other crimes. According to the indictment, the organization operated in northwest Indiana and elsewhere from on or about January 2021 to on or about April of 2026. The indictment was unsealed on April 29, 2026, following the execution of arrest and search warrants accompanying the indictment.
“Illegal gambling operations often fuel broader criminal activity and exploit our communities for profit,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI, in partnership with our law enforcement colleagues, is committed to dismantling these criminal networks and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.” “Today marks the culmination of a lengthy, complex and collaborative investigation,” said Indiana Gaming Commission Law Enforcement Superintendent Brock Pilgrim. “The indictments, arrest and search warrants all send a clear message: those who attempt to corrupt the integrity of licensed gaming operations in Indiana will be held accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Indiana Gaming Commission, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistance U.S. Attorneys Philip Benson and Kevin Wolff. |
