Feds say Indiana gambling boss James Gerodemos sent witness death threats from church

Federal prosecutors say James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos, accused of leading a multi-state sports gambling operation, sent death threats to witnesses from inside a church.

According to a new court filing, Gerodemos recorded himself lighting memorial candles and threatening the families of gamblers who owed money to his bookies. Prosecutors say the video showed flaming candles in the back of a church and included Gerodemos saying, “I just lit some candles for your family… I say for them to die,” followed by vulgar threats.

Prosecutors describe the messages as part of a pattern of intimidation tied to Gerodemos’ alleged gambling business. Since federal agents carried out raids across northwest Indiana restaurants and homes in April, prosecutors say Gerodemos has led a sports gambling operation that threatened violence against losing gamblers who failed to pay.

Gerodemos, 63, of Schererville, Indiana, is the only one of 22 people arrested in the case who remains in jail. A week ago, U.S. District Judge Andrew Rodovich ordered him released on a $5 million forfeiture bond but gave prosecutors time to argue that he should stay detained.

In their motion, prosecutors say Gerodemos is dangerous and point to what they call a long history of threats to hurt or kill people. They also say he is likely to flee the country if released. The filing outlines a possible escape path involving a Greek passport, travel to the Canadian or Mexican border, and eventually a boat trip to Greece, which does not have an extradition treaty with the United States for Greek citizens.

Gerodemos’ attorney, Beau Brindley, disputed the government’s claims. He said there is no proof the voice in the church video belongs to his client.

“They say it's coming from a burner phone,” Brindley said. “At this point, no one's able to verify that that's actually James Gerodemos anyway. But even if it were, my point is these are not actual threats of violence.”

Brindley also called the flight-risk argument speculation and said Gerodemos should not be kept in jail because of his Greek heritage.

Ron Safer, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, said the church video could be decisive for the judge.

“It is an obvious threat that if the bettor doesn't pay up, there are going to be deaths in his family,” Safer said. “That's kind of the definition of extortion, isn't it? And that's what he's charged with, and so this is further evidence that if he were released, he is a danger to commit additional extortions.”

Prosecutors also say Gerodemos’ alleged threats have affected his own family. His daughter, who is charged as a co-conspirator in the case, reportedly refuses to sign his bond release because she does not want to live in the same house with him or be responsible for ensuring he appears at trial.

Judge Rodovich is expected to rule on whether Gerodemos will remain in custody or be released on bond.