Authorities crack major gambling ring

Jesus Reynoso, the alleged ringleader, in a booking photo.

By David Abel, Globe Staff

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials executed more than two dozen search warrants at locations in Boston and around the state, breaking up what they described as an organized gambling syndicate that earned more than $1 million a year.

The 15-month investigation called "Operation Barber Shop" today also resulted in the arrest of 32 people. More than $70,000 was seized, along with 33 laptop computers, which officials said was the largest seizure of electronic evidence in state history. The operation allowed people to illegally gamble on lottery numbers and sports games.

"Make no mistake. This was not a harmless neighborhood lottery or sports book," said Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley. "It was a gambling enterprise where the game was rigged in favor of the ring, and it was fraught with violence and corruption."

Conley said the ringleader was Jesus Reynoso, also known as "Marcos," 44, of Roslindale. Reynoso's alleged enforcer was Victor Rosado, also known as "Moreno," 39, of Mattapan. Both were arrested by State Police today after troopers followed them using GPS tracking devices on their cars.

Each of the men faces up to 15 years in prison, Conley said.

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