‘Jimmy the Greek’ Lit Church Candles While Wishing Debtor’s Family Dead, Feds Say

The alleged ringleader of a sprawling Northwest Indiana gambling ring delivered a sinister threat to an indebted gambler from inside a church, federal investigators say.”

The incident was cited in federal court as evidence that James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos could threaten or intimidate witnesses if released, as prosecutors battle to keep him in custody pending trial.

Gerodemos was among 22 defendants indicted in April over an alleged illegal bookmaking operation that authorities say relied on extortion and threats to collect gambling debts.

He is the only defendant in the case who remains in custody. Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich ordered Gerodemos released on a $5 million unsecured bond, but granted a temporary stay pending the government’s appeal.

‘I Say for Them to Die’

In a motion filed Monday, Sept. 28, seeking to overturn the release order, prosecutors disclosed newly uncovered communications in which Gerodemos allegedly threatened the lives of a debtor’s family members.

Gerodemos allegedly told the gambler he was spending $300 to light a candle for the man’s mother and sent him a short video filmed inside a church.

“I just lit some candles for your family,” Gerodemos said in English before switching to Greek, according to court documents. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) translators stated the Greek portion translated to: “I say for them to die.”

Prosecutors characterized the exchange as part of a months-long campaign of threats intended to force the gambler to pay.

‘Inflammatory’ Language Is Not a Threat, Defense Counter-Argues

Attorneys for Gerodemos strongly disputed the government’s characterization of the exchange.

In a response filed Tuesday, defense counsel acknowledged the video showed candles being lit and included language wishing that a debtor’s relatives would die. However, they argued that wishing someone dead, however offensive, does not legally constitute a direct threat of physical violence.

The defense further argued there is no evidence Gerodemos would attempt to tamper with witnesses while on pretrial release, knowing his communications are actively monitored by law enforcement. Defense attorneys noted that strict home confinement and court-ordered no-contact directives would fully mitigate any potential safety concerns.

Disputed Gambling Proceeds

An ongoing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigation has identified roughly $1.8 million in funds tied to Gerodemos from alleged gambling proceeds, suspected bettors, and unexplained checks, according to court filings.

Prosecutors estimate that Gerodemos’ annual Super Bowl betting pools alone generated between $700,000 and $900,000, arguing that more than $1 million in illicit gambling proceeds remains unaccounted for.

Defense lawyers rejected claims that Gerodemos maintains hidden offshore reserves, noting that federal agents have already seized his bank accounts and placed liens on his commercial restaurant holdings. They also dismissed prosecutor assertions that his familial ties to Greece make him a flight risk, pointing out that the U.S. maintains a formal extradition treaty with the Greek government.

Gerodemos remains held at the Porter County Jail while the district court reviews the appeal. A ruling on the stay is expected this week.