March 4, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff's Office officials report that deputies from the sheriff's office, Gang Suppression Unit initiated an investigation into several illegal gambling establishments in Bakersfield. On March 1, 2025, deputies executed three search warrants associated with the investigation in the 2700 block of Citrus Avenue, 3200 block of Century Drive and the 2500 block of Oswell Street.

During a search of the properties, deputies located indicia associated with the operations of illegal gambling establishments, several pounds of marijuana, seven firearms and over $200,000 in US currency. Several subjects were arrested in connection to the investigation. Benjamin Lewis (42) was arrested for maintaining an illegal gambling establishment, conspiracy, participation in a criminal street gang, gang member in possession of a firearm, possession of an assault firearm, theft of a firearm and the sales of marijuana. Lawrence De La Torre (43), Jessica Rivera (33), and Brandon Colombo (34) were arrested for maintaining an illegal gambling establishment, conspiracy and participation in a criminal street gang.

Source & photo: Kern County Sheriff's Office