High-profile basketball player Gilbert Arenas Segues Dance Steps Following Jail Release, After Arrest Related to Poker Game of Significant Risks at Leased Residence
In a shocking turn of events, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, known by his nickname "Agent Zero", was arrested alongside five other individuals on conspiracy charges for operating an illegal high-stakes poker operation in Encino, a suburb of Los Angeles[1][2]. The operation was run at a mansion rented out by Arenas from September 2021 to July 2022[1].
The federal indictment and press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office accuse Arenas and the other indicted individuals, including Yevgeni Gershman, an Israeli suspected organized crime figure, of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating such a business, and making false statements to federal investigators[1][2].
The indictment further alleges that Gershman was involved in hiring women for the poker games[1]. It is claimed that the women were required to pay a "tax" of 25% to 35% of their earnings to work at the games[1]. Their roles were not limited to serving drinks and food, as they were also expected to provide companionship to the poker players[1].
The poker nights at the Encino estate allegedly featured luxurious amenities such as hired chefs, armed guards, and valets[1]. In a twist, Arenas himself was known to share videos of his antics, such as a recent one where he danced down the steps of a facility after his arrest[3]. However, in the caption of the video, Arenas wrote that the charges had nothing to do with him[3].
The Department of Justice issued a statement on Arenas' arrest, but no further details were provided[4]. If convicted, Arenas faces at least five years in federal prison[1]. The mansion connected to Arenas is located on Gable Drive[5].
This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Sources: [1] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35360354/gilbert-arenas-charged-illegal-gambling-operation-federal-indictment [2] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-16/gilbert-arenas-charged-in-illegal-poker-operation-at-encino-home [3] https://www.tmz.com/2023/03/16/gilbert-arenas-dances-after-federal-arrest-for-illegal-gambling-operation/ [4] https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-nba-player-gilbert-arenas-charged-illegal-gambling-operation [5] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-16/gilbert-arenas-charged-in-illegal-poker-operation-at-encino-home
- Despite his arrest for involving in an illegal high-stakes poker operation, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, commonly known as "Agent Zero", was seen sharing a video of himself dancing upon his release, stating that the charges were unrelated to poker.
- The federal indictment for the illegal gambling operation in Los Angeles' Encino suburb, run by Gilbert Arenas and others, including Yevgeni Gershman, an Israeli suspected organized crime figure, gathered media attention from general-news, crime-and-justice, sports, and entertainment sectors.
- The mansion used as the venue for the high-stakes poker games, linked to Gilbert Arenas, was a site of luxury, complete with hired chefs, armed guards, and valets, making it a hot spot for celebrities and sports figures.
