Authorities in Sacramento County have successfully dismantled an extensive illegal gambling operation that had been in place for several years. This operation was discovered to include cash, drugs, and firearms stored in illicit casinos located within residential neighborhoods, officials announced on Thursday.
Sgt. Edward Igoe from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Eliminating these from the neighborhoods enhances safety for residents.” He noted that some of these illegal spots attracted as many as 50 visitors daily, emphasizing that they were far more complex than typical small card rooms.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office shared video clips on social media showcasing gambling machines along with footage of the investigative operations. The head of the gambling ring was identified as 47-year-old Theaplus Osborne, who was described by Igoe as living a very luxurious lifestyle.
Additional suspects have been named, including Dana Green, James Frazier, Herman Hawkins, and Thurston Bershell. The investigation began in April 2025 when deputies accidentally discovered one of these home-based casinos while pursuing a wanted individual. This incident led to further scrutiny after a related shooting a few weeks later in Carmichael revealed similar illegal activities.
Officials reported identifying eight makeshift casinos throughout Sacramento County. Although specific addresses were not disclosed, Igoe mentioned that these locations were established in residential neighborhoods, with at least two situated near schools.
According to officials, these illegal casinos operated daily, generating profits between $500 and $1,000 a day, which were laundered through a fictitious company and multiple bank accounts. Detectives estimated that the organization laundered over $1.4 million from January 2024 to July 2025. During the investigative operation, authorities seized firearms, $100,000 in cash, drugs, gambling machines, and computers.
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office reported that Osborne pleaded not guilty to multiple charges during his arraignment on Monday and was released on bail. He is expected to appear in court again on March 5.
