Brothers get prison, fines for running gambling ring

Two brothers were sentenced to federal prison after admitting to being the ringleaders of an illegal international sports gambling operation in Southern California that used violence to collect debts.

In San Diego federal court Friday, District Judge Janis Sammartino sentenced Jan Harold Portocarrero, 42, to 18 months in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Erik Portocarrero, 44, was sentenced to 22 months and a $50,000 fine. The two pleaded guilty to racketeering.

The brothers’ operation took millions of dollars in wagers in the last decade from gamblers in San Diego and Los Angeles counties betting on professional and college sports, prosecutors said.

The two were ordered to forfeit $3 million worth of assets in the U.S. and Norway, including a $1.7-million check they handed over in court.

The brothers ran Macho Sports, a “sophisticated international gambling criminal enterprise that preyed upon the gambling addiction of its customers,” FBI Special Agent Eric Birnbaum said.

The brothers moved from Los Angeles to Peru, when federal investigators began looking into their gambling operation.

“No longer can their global Macho Sports enterprise engage in violence, threats and intimidation to amass illegal profits,” U.S. Atty. Laura Duffy said.

From Lima, the operation used the Internet and toll-free telephone numbers to accept bets from high rollers in San Diego and Los Angeles counties, according to court documents.

Arrested in Oslo, Norway, Erik Portocarrero waged an unsuccessful 22-month court battle to avoid extradition. Norway ordered him extradited and he was taken to San Diego by federal marshals.

Macho Sports sought to mask its customers’ bets through the use of legitimate enterprises, including a cash-checking business in Santa Monica, prosecutors said.

Some of the money was sent to the Portocarreros’ mother in Norway.