BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Barstow Police detectives arrested three people during a crackdown on illegal gambling activities, seizing gambling machines, ammunition, and cash from a property.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 3:00 P.M., Barstow Police Department Crime Impact detectives served a search warrant regarding illegal gambling activities on the 600 block of Arbor Way.

Upon serving the search warrant at the location, detectives arrested 36-year-old Joseph Auelua, 54-year-old Samuel Sanchez, and 63-year-old Nellie Lopez, all residents of Barstow.

Detectives seized three illegal gambling machines, ledgers, electronic devices indicating bookkeeping activities, 12-gauge ammunition, and $165 in U.S. currency.

Joseph Auelua was booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto for P.C. 337a -Felony Illegal Bookkeeping and P.C. 30305 (a) (1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition.

Samuel Sanchez was booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto for P.C. 337a. – Felony Illegal Bookkeeping.

Nellie Lopez was booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto for P.C. 337a. – Felony Illegal Bookkeeping and H&S 11395 (a) – Treatment Mandated Felony Act, due to prior narcotic convictions.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation can contact Detective Steven Rodriguez at (760) 256-2211 or srodgriguez@barstowca.org. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also provide information by calling the WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27469) or going to www.wetip.com

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