Jimmy the Greek accused of church candle death threats
His own daughter refuses to sign his bond, saying she will not answer for him at trial.
The hit
US federal prosecutors want James ‘Jimmy the Greek’ Gerodemos kept in custody before trial, according to GamblingNews. The 63-year-old Schereville, Illinois man is accused of running an illegal gambling operation & sending gamblers who owed money videos of lit church candles while saying he wanted their families to die.
Why it matters
For bettors caught up with illegal, unlicensed operators, the case is a reminder there is no regulator, no complaints process & no protection if a debt dispute turns violent. Prosecutors say Gerodemos ran a so-called ‘Holy War’ against people who fell behind on payments. His lawyer says the voice on the video is unverified & disputes that it amounts to a real threat.
The record
| Arrests | 22 people arrested in connection with illegal gambling, including Gerodemos |
|---|---|
| Alleged flight route | Mexico or Canada, then the Caribbean, then Greece, which does not extradite citizens, prosecutors say |
| Family stance | Gerodemos’s daughter will not sign his bond or answer for him at trial |
What happens next
Watch for the bail ruling & the trial date, plus whether prosecutors can authenticate the burner-phone video his lawyer disputes.
Sources: Federal Investigators Say The Greek Should Stay Behind Bars
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