A man associated with an Oakland illegal gambling den and found with a gun linked to an unsolved murder has been released, as authorities found no direct connection to the killing.
Key Takeaways
* Ray Gilbert, initially arrested at an illegal Oakland gambling operation, has been released after no direct link to a murder was established, despite a weapon found at his home.
* Federal prosecutors alleged Gilbert was part of a “robbery crew” that targeted individuals, including a winner from the Livermore Casino.
* The case highlights the complex legal challenges in prosecuting individuals connected to illicit gambling operations and broader criminal networks.
Oakland Gambling Den Figure Released in Murder Probe
Ray Gilbert, 27, who had been working as a “security guard” at an illegal gambling den in Oakland, California, has been released from custody. His release follows authorities’ inability to tie him directly to an unsolved murder, despite a firearm connected to the killing being found in his possession.
Gilbert was among four individuals arrested in July 2023 during a raid on the illicit casino operation. Weeks later, a search of his residence led to the discovery of a gun that detectives identified as having been used in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Mynyamani Stevenson. The shooting occurred on July 29, 2023, in the parking lot of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.
Allegations of a Robbery Crew and Casino Targets
Federal prosecutors later indicted Gilbert, alleging his involvement with a “robbery crew” connected to Oakland’s Case Gang. Court documents indicate this group targeted victims, including one individual who had won money at the Livermore Casino, following them home before committing a robbery. This alleged activity underscores the risks associated with both legal casino winnings and the environments surrounding illegal gambling operations.
Assistant Federal Public Defender Gabriela Bischof, representing Gilbert, stated that the government’s evidence suggests her client is linked to individuals and environments that could be considered negative influences. However, Bischof argued that the presented facts do not establish Gilbert’s personal engagement in violent conduct, nor should he face punishment solely for his associations.
Gilbert spent approximately two years in custody after the case was filed. Since his release, he has secured employment at a warehouse in the East Bay. Court filings by Bischof indicate a positive shift in his life trajectory.
Background of Repeated Scrutiny
Gilbert’s defense highlighted a history of encountering violence and law enforcement. He has reportedly been shot five times, with the first incident occurring at age 13. His father was killed when Gilbert was five years old. In 2021, Gilbert was bitten for 45 seconds by Purcy, a K9 handled by former Antioch officer Morteza Amiri, who was later sentenced to federal prison for deploying his dog without just cause.
Despite repeated targeting by law enforcement, Gilbert has avoided extended prison sentences. In 2020, his phone, along with those of six other individuals suspected of Case Gang affiliation, was wiretapped. This surveillance was part of an investigation into the murder of 27-year-old Shawn Tillis in San Pablo and the nonfatal shooting of an ex-Case member deemed a “snitch” by the gang. No charges were ultimately filed against any of the suspects in those cases.
Broader Context of Illicit Gambling Operations
In related news concerning illicit gambling activities, law enforcement in Taiwan recently dismantled a multi-billion-dollar crime ring. This operation reportedly utilized casinos in Macao to facilitate money laundering, illustrating the global reach and financial scale of organized crime’s intersection with the gambling industry.
I remember the first time I saw Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s gambling city, I thought I was in a fairy tale. All the lights blinking, the music and the monumental buildings, what 9-year-old wouldn’t think they’ve come to a magical place? It was my father who brought me, dragging me along and when inside I was hit by the smell of frying duck. As soon as I hit 21 I returned to Kai Tak, A bit nervous to see if my mind had embellished the memory, but it hadn’t. Kai Tak was still a magical place. I decided I wanted to spend as much time as I could at this place, so I did.
