Ring Leaders in Violent California Sports Betting Ring Sentenced: Got Off Light

Two brothers, both of whom were ring leaders of a violent California-based illegal sports betting ring, have been sentenced to less than two years in prison and each must pay a fine of $50,000.  Each had been facing up to 20 years prison time.

Erik Portocarrero, 44, and his brother, Jan Harald Portocarrero, 42, ran Macho Sports out of both California and the South American nation of Peru. 

The two were indicted in June 2013 on racketeering and illegal gambling.  Erik received a 22-month sentence while his brother received an 18-month sentence.  Both were also accused of using violent tactics against those who owed monies to the organization.

Erik had lived in Olso, Norway at the time of the indictment and fought unsuccessfully to be extradited back to the U.S.

One victim of the sports betting operation told the New York Post: “Given all the hard work and the thousands of man-hours the FBI and [Department of Justice] spent on this case, this result sends a clear but disturbing message: You can break the law, commit acts of violence, be sentenced under the RICO Act and get a slap on the wrist.”

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com