Sheriff Spent $72,000 at Restaurant at Center of Gambling Ring Probe, Audit Finds

CROWN POINT, Indiana — The top law enforcement official in Lake County spent more than $72,000 at a restaurant where an alleged gambling ring operated, while a state audit has flagged nearly $300,000 in questionable expenses from the sheriff’s office.

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez spent more than $72,000 at Gino’s Steakhouse for fundraisers and campaign events between 2022 and 2025, according to board of elections documents. The restaurant’s owner, Jimmy “The Greek” Karadima, was among 22 people indicted in a federal gambling investigation dubbed “Operation Porterhouse.”

Federal agents raided Gino’s Steakhouse and Paragon Restaurant in April as part of a probe into a longtime illegal gambling enterprise allegedly operated out of the two establishments.

Sheriff Martinez has not been indicted, but he conducted business with the person at the center of the case. Karadima’s name appears multiple times in the campaign finance receipts and expenditure records for “Citizens for Oscar Martinez,” filings candidates are required to submit.

In addition to the campaign spending, the Indiana State Board of Accounts questioned nearly $300,000 in expenses paid through the sheriff’s commissary account. Under state law, the money may only be used for jail operations, crime prevention, or law enforcement training.

However, the board identified expenditures that included $3,394 paid to Gino’s Steakhouse to provide food for staff working at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

The audit also cited excessive spending on hotel upgrades, food and alcohol, and expenses tied to 43 golf outings. Attorneys representing Sheriff Martinez argued the golf outings were intended as team-building events.

The state board has recommended that Sheriff Martinez reimburse the county for more than $265,000 in commissary expenditures that exceeded the sheriff’s authority.

A request for an interview with Sheriff Martinez was declined. His office said he was out of town attending the National Law Enforcement Memorial and would not provide a statement.