Filippo “Gigi” Rovito, famous for his entertaining cooking videos and popular restaurant in Northwest Indiana and suburban Chicago, has been charged in connection with an illegal gambling enterprise spanning Northwest Indiana and suburb Chicago. According to federal court documents, Rovito allegedly threatened individuals owing gambling debts from this operation.
Authorities alleged that Rovito made statements concerning physically intimidating a gambler with outstanding debts, such as making threats to “knock [the victim’s] lights out and shove his head into [gaming] machine.” Despite such serious accusations against his behavior, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso publicly supported Rovito by noting his outstanding contributions to Burr Ridge as well as highlighting his YouTube following; in support of Capri Ristorante where Rovito works and named one pasta dish after him: Grasso even has his name recognized with one pasta dish named after him: Grasso himself even has their restaurant Capri Ristorante named after them: Linguini alla Mayor Grasso”.
Operation Porterhouse Parlay
Rovito was among 22 individuals arrested during coordinated FBI raids conducted April 29. These raids culminated in “Operation Porterhouse Parlay”, an extensive probe that exposed links between illegal gambling activities and various restaurants located across Northwest Indiana and Chicago suburbs.
Investigation identified James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos and Dean Gem Gialamas as two suspected ringleaders, using Gino’s Steak House and Paragon restaurant as bases of operation for illegal sports betting, video gambling and loansharking activities which generated millions of dollars through threats of violence as means for debt collection. Prosecuters claim these activities generated billions.
Alleged Ties and Charges
Federal indictment details an organization led by Greek Americans known as Rovito as an organized criminal enterprise; court documents indicate his historical connections to organized Mob gambling operations as well as charges of illegal gambling conspiracy, debt collection extortion and money laundering against Rovito and others charged in this investigation.
After posting a $1 Million secured bond, Rovito was released from federal custody and currently remains home detained with electronic monitoring awaiting his trial date.
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