Former Lodi councilman forfeits cash, properties totaling $460K in illegal gambling case

Posted by author February 20, 2025 Gambling

Former Lodi councilman forfeits cash, properties totaling 0K in illegal gambling case

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A former Lodi City Council member convicted of election fraud, illegal gambling, and money laundering will forfeit two pieces of property and a large amount of cash to San Joaquin County.

Shakir Khan, who served on the Lodi City Council from November 2020 to February 2023, pleaded no contest to 77 felony and misdemeanor charges in January 2024.

Khan’s 77 counts included 41 charges of illegal gambling, money laundering, tax evasion, and grand theft, 12 charges of unemployment fraud involving COVID-19 reimbursements, and 14 election fraud charges.

On Tuesday, District Attorney Ron Freitas said Khan had admitted to engaging in criminal profiteering through illegal gambling and money laundering activities. Khan ran illegal gambling sites while he was serving as a public official, Freitas said.

As a result, Khan agreed to forfeit $76,987 in cash, as well as a property located at 241 Watson St. and another at 104 E. Lodi Ave. in Lodi.

The two properties were worth a combined total of $383,013. In all, $460,000 will go into San Joaquin County’s general fund.

“When a public servant abuses their position to engage in criminal activities, it’s not just a breach of law, but a profound betrayal of public trust,” Freitas said. “This case is a stark reminder of the egregious nature of such corruption. I commend the dedication of our team for bringing this to justice, ensuring that those who exploit their office for personal gain face the consequences.”

Khan’s arrest

Days before the 2020 general election in which he was a candidate to represent District 4, Khan was arrested on suspicion of money laundering, conspiracy, and maintaining illegal gambling premises.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said they found that the American Smokers Club located at 2620 E. Waterloo Road in Stockton was the location of an illegal online gambling operation between Feb. 14, 2018 to Sept. 7, 2020. During their investigation, authorities discovered Khan to be the club’s owner.

At an arraignment appearance in September 2021, an additional charge of Employment Development Department fraud was filed against Khan for “unlawfully receiving money from the state during the pandemic relief efforts,” DA officials stated.

In February 2023, Khan was arrested on multiple election fraud charges.

The election-related claims brought against him included registering people to vote who were not entitled to registration and “subscription of a fictitious name” to a nomination petition, among others.

The alleged election fraud occurred from January 2020 to November 2020, according to the complaint filed against Khan.

He resigned from the city council later that month and ultimately received a two-year sentence for the election fraud after agreeing not to contest his charges.

The district attorney’s office said that once the terms of the forfeiture agreement are fulfilled, all restraining orders on Khan’s assets will be lifted and he will proceed to sentencing in the underlying criminal case.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.