Three arrested in liquor store welfare fraud investigation

PASADENA — Local and federal authorities investigating welfare fraud arrested a local liquor store owner and two store clerks plus seized nine weapons and $298,716, police announced Wednesday.
Pasadena police in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Secret Service, and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control served search warrants at five locations in Pasadena, Burbank and Glendale on Tuesday.
One of the warrants was served at Sunshine Liquor at 3360 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.
Police said George Kerio, 38, of Glendale, Nassib Shankour, 43, of Pasadena and Daniel Bonilla, 29, of Pasadena were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit welfare fraud.
Officers also confiscated nine weapons and the cash.
A fourth suspect is still being sought.
The joint investigation had been ongoing since 2011 after police received complaints about possible welfare fraud at Sunshine Liquor, according to a Pasadena police press release.
Online records with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control lists Kerio as the owner of Sunshine Liquor.
Sheriff’s booking records show Kerio, Shankour and Bonilla were arrested on Monday and released that night.
– Ruby Gonzales
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email