Four people arrested in Idaho illegal gambling operation, with help from SLC FBI
Oct 20, 2025, 7:30 PM
Around 200 law enforcement officers helped to serve federal warrants against people suspected of operating an illegal gambling ring in Wilder, ID. (FBI Salt Lake City)
(FBI Salt Lake City)
SALT LAKE CITY — Four people are in custody and suspected of facilitating an illegal gambling operation in Wilder, Idaho, which is about 20 miles west of Boise.
The FBI Salt Lake City office said that on Oct. 19, 200 law enforcement personnel helped serve a federal search warrant on the operation at the La Cathedral Arena.
Four people were were charged in complaints filed in U.S. District Court. They are:
- Ivan Tellez, 37, of Wilder, Idaho
- Samuel Bejarano, 37, of Nyssa, Oregon
- Dayana Fajardo, 39, of Nyssa, Oregon
- Alejandro Estrada, 56, of Buhl, Idaho
“Illegal gambling isn’t a victimless crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “These operations can create an increase in violent crime, drug activity and violence, putting communities at risk.
A multi-agency operation involving approximately 200 law enforcement personnel assisted the FBI and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime and Gang Task Force shut down an illegal horse racing gambling ring in Wilder, ID. Read more: https://t.co/Bywoj9lCdu@CanyonCoSheriff,… pic.twitter.com/nNzhXcj0MR
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) October 20, 2025
“I’m grateful for the collaboration and partnerships on the federal, state and local level,” Bohls said.
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