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Bookie Alexander Gagianis offered to become an enforcer in bookie business that was taken down last month
Gagianis is said to have used quotes from "The Irishman" that included "paint houses", a reference to killing people
One of 22 individuals indicted for their alleged role in a sprawling Northwest Indiana sports betting business is said to have been texted famous movie quotes as a means of conveying violent code.
Court filings claim that bookie Alexander Gagianis volunteered to become an enforcer for the group.
Lingo between Gagianis and the group's alleged ringleader included the offer to "paint houses", which is a direct quote from the 2019 Netflix movie, "The Irishman" with "paint houses" a reference to killing people.
Another term used, "carpentry", is meant to convey the disposing of bodies, according to the government complaint against the group.
An 87-page indictment alleges the defendants were involved in an extensive illegal sports betting ring that stretched from New York to Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, allegedly using threats and intimidation to maintain control of the operation. The business ran primarily out of the Northwestern region of Indiana, including Hammond. The ringleader of the business ran two area restaurants with some of the staff accused of taking part in the illegal sports betting operation from those establishments. Agents called their own operation "Operation Porterhouse Parlay" as a result of the ties to a steakhouse owned by the ringleader, James Gerodemos (aka "Jimmy the Greek").
The court filings suggest Gerodemos provided the actual inspiration for the movie quotes.
Gerodemos initially texted "The Irishman" film scenes to Gagianis, who replied with a laughing emoji.
That clip featured Al Pacino portraying Jimmy Hoffa. On the phone, he says to Robert De Niro, playing a hitman, "I heard you paint houses." De Niro replies, "Yes, I do. I also do my own carpentry."
The group already had its own enforcer, according to court documents.
Michael Campbell (pictured below), can be seen in photos posted to social media in the weeks leading up to the arrests, posing in political and social settings with top Region elected officials, a Region police chief and recent sheriff's candidate and top labor union officials.
And the baby-faced "enforcer" being photographed along side Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. is likely no fluke. The highest law enforcement officer in Lake County spent thousands of dollars at the restaurant where the gambling ring allegedly operated, FOX Chicago's Joanie Lum found.
Campbell, also a member of the Laborers Local 81 union, agreed to waive his right to a detention hearing and will remain incarcerated until his case is resolved. Sheriff Martinez, Jr, is not named in the indictment or accused of any wrongdoing.
Campbell's fawning admiration for Gerodemos is documented in texts where he refers to the alleged ring leader as “a mentor, a confidant and a source of inspiration.”
He appeared to stay clear of movie quotes.
“Your steadfast determination and relentless pursuit of success continue to inspire me on my own path,” according to notes from Campbell quoted in the court documents.
Many of the 22 defendants are free on bond and are able to travel throughout the country. All have plead not guilty.
Popular Illinois restaurant owner Filippo "Gigi" Rovito, fresh from pleading not guilty in federal court, remains charismatic on social media, promoting his Capri Restaurant in suburban Burr Ridge. That establishment remains open.
Gagianis, however, is considered too much of a flight risk to be freed, according to prosecutors. They fear he could flee to Greece and disappear.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
