HEMET: Internet cafe owner, 64, arrested after undercover operation uncovers illegal gambling

HEMET — Detectives assigned to Hemet Police Department’s recently formed Crime Suppression Unit arrested a 64-year-old, Moreno Valley man, Jan 17, after determining he was operating an illegal gambling business at a Hemet Internet cafe. The illegally operating gambling business, Lyon Entertainment Center, is on the 1600 block of W. Florida Avenue near the intersection of Lyon Avenue.

After Wednesday’s undercover operation, detectives arrested George Diab, 64, of Moreno Valley, Hemet Police Lt. Eric Dickson explained after Diab’s arrest.

The now-shuttered business is no longer allowed to operate pending further investigation and review, according to Dickson – who explained City of Hemet Code Enforcement officers will be taking administrative action against Diab’s business license.

Hemet PD’s Crime Suppression Unit began investigating Diab’s business after receiving a tip the previous day that an illegal gambling operation may be occurring at Diab’s Internet cafe.

CSU members conducted an undercover operation at the location and determined that “illegal gambling was, in fact occurring” at the business, said Dickson.

After his arrest, Diab was transported to Hemet PD where he was booked on suspicion of operating an illegal gambling business – a misdemeanor – and later released with a citation to appear in court at a later date. If convicted of a first offense, Diab could face fines and/or up to six months in county jail. Fines and jail time both increase with multiple arrests and convictions.

After Diab’s arrest, Hemet Code Enforcement officials responded to the scene and closed down his business.

Formed in November 2017 and funded by the City’s 1 percent sales tax under voter-approved Measure U, Hemet PD’s Crime Suppression Unit was created to target high-profile crimes and quality of life issues, such as prostitution, vagrancy and narcotic sales. The team is currently staffed by three detectives and one sergeant.

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Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.