3 arrested in Front Range gambling probe

FORT COLLINS, Colorado — Two Fort Collins men and a business owner from Greeley have been arrested on suspicion of running a professional gambling establishment.

Front Range Poker Supply owner Dustin Santino, 28, of Greeley; and Troy Vernon, 33, and Michael Trujillo, 23, both of Fort Collins, were free on bond Tuesday, Larimer County sheriff's officials said. Santino also faced a charge of being a previous offender illegally in possession of a weapon.

The men were suspected of running high stakes poker games in which the house got a percent of profits, sheriff's officials said.

Sixteen other people were issued summonses for unlawfully engaging in gambling. One woman was issued a summons for marijuana possession.

Only social gambling, in which players have a true social relationship and there is no profit motive, is legal, sheriff's officials said.