By Mike Hazlip—
A business in the Grand Oaks shopping center along Auburn Boulevard was a front for an illegal gambling operation, according to police and nearby business owners.
Citrus Heights police announced Friday that officers serving a search warrant at the location on June 9 uncovered an illegal gambling operation. Two individuals were arrested for outstanding felony warrants and possession of an illegal firearm. Illegal drugs and electronic gambling devices were also reportedly found at the location.
A visit to the center on Friday found the front door of the suite boarded up with two code violation notices posted, both dated June 9.
The Sentinel spoke with several nearby sources who did not want to be identified, but confirmed police activity at the location.
One source said the illegal activity was concentrated during overnight hours behind the Grand Oaks center with heavy vehicle traffic. Sentinel staff observed one awning behind the center painted red. An IT business initially moved into the space several months ago and soon built a wall just inside the front door, according to the source.
A sign at the front door of the suite says “Welcome to IT Training” but does not give a business name. The sign reads: “Entrance behind this building, door with red umbrella.”
Another source told The Sentinel the suite had been occupied for three or four months. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation, the source said.
Police said officers from the department’s IMPACT team worked with the Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control to investigate the operation. Further investigation is ongoing.
