The Simi Valley Police Department arrested several men in an illegal gambling and prostitution operation on May 28, stemming from a tip sent to detectives within the Special Investigation unit in August 2023.

SVPD SWAT teams, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, searched numerous residences in Simi Valley and Los Angeles, resulting in five arrests.

  • These are the chips used in the gambling and prostitution operation in Simi Valley on May 28, 2024. (Simi Valley PD)
  • A photo of the table in the gambling and prostitution operation in Simi Valley on May 28, 2024. (Simi Valley PD)

Evan Avery, 35, and Max Maynard, 24, both of Simi Valley, along with Eric Thaichareon, 46; Regi Valdivia, 37; and Michael Romano, 34, all of Los Angeles, were arrested and booked on charges related to the illegal gambling and prostitution ring.

According to Simi Valley Police, 40 other suspects were cited for illegal gambling and were subsequently released.

There are no further details at this time.