Illegal gambling machines confiscated from Costa Mesa liquor store; 4 suspects arrested

By Hannah FryStaff Writer

March 9, 2017 6:20 PM PT

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Four women were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of operating illegal gambling machines at a Costa Mesa liquor store, police said.

Undercover Costa Mesa officers entered 888 Liquor at 586 W. 19th St. at about 4 p.m. and discovered seven slot machines, police said.

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Police spokeswoman Roxi Fyad said officers had received several complaints from residents about the business.

Police confiscated the machines and $960 in cash, Fyad said.

Dina Lan Dinh, 51, of Westminster, Mindy Luc Dinh, 47, of Westminster, Violeta Margarita Mendoza, 34, of Costa Mesa and Isabel Baez Luz, 59, of Fountain Valley were arrested and cited on suspicion of allowing illegal gambling.

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Twitter: @HannahFryTCN

Hannah Fry

Hannah Fry covers breaking news for the Los Angeles Times. She most recently covered Orange County for The Times and has written extensively about criminal trials, housing, politics and government. In 2020, Fry was part of the team that was a Pulitzer finalist for its coverage of a boat fire that killed 34 people off the coast of Santa Barbara. Fry came to The Times from the Daily Pilot, where she covered coastal cities, education and crime. An Orange County native, Fry started her career as an intern at the Orange County Register.