LOWELL -- An illegal-gaming company in Lowell has been shut down, nearly $10,000 in cash seized and its owner is now facing charges after police say he was selling illegal Dominican lottery tickets and taking illegal sports bets out of his Lakeview Avenue home.

In Lowell District Court on Monday, Bienvenido Santana, 59, of 124 Lakeview Ave., first floor, pleaded not guilty to charges of promoting an illegal lottery and promoting an illegal foreign lottery. He was released on personal recognizance with a pretrial date of May 2.

Also facing charges is Santana's girlfriend, Anna Maria Amador, 32, of the same address. She is facing charges of setting up/promoting a lottery (two counts) and altering/falsifying motor-vehicle documents. She has not yet been arraigned.

In court documents, Lowell police allege that in February, detectives from the Special Investigations Section began investigating Santana about illegal gaming activities. During the probe, police say they learned Santana owned Santana Communications and was selling illegal Dominican lottery tickets and taking illegal sports bets.

Amador, his girlfriend, would allegedly sit at the front desk and take daily bets.




When officers asked to speak to Amador, she initially agreed, then walked toward the rear of the office in an alleged attempt to destroy evidence.

As police tried to breach the door, Amador came back with Santana and opened it.





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