LOS ANGELES, CA – A high-stakes underground poker ring has come under intense scrutiny in Los Angeles, leading to the indictment of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and seven others. The allegations, unveiled in a federal indictment, claim Arenas hosted illegal poker games at his Encino residence. Arenas, who entered a not guilty plea in court, was released on bond.
The investigation into this illicit gambling operation may intersect with the mysterious disappearance and presumed death of Heidi Plank, a West L.A. woman who vanished in 2021. Detectives involved in the Plank case also participated in the gambling ring investigation.
Law enforcement sources revealed that in early 2022, federal agents executed search warrants at a Sherman Oaks home linked to the case, which ultimately led to the indictment of Arenas and his alleged associates. The home, suspected of hosting illegal gambling events tied to organized crime, was later engulfed in flames, a fire believed to have been set to destroy evidence.
Court documents indicate that evidence from the Sherman Oaks search prompted authorities to raid Arenas’ Encino home, where they uncovered further connections to the underground poker operation. Sources suggest a potential link between the gambling ring and Plank’s disappearance.
Investigators found ties between the organized crime group and another illegal gambling venue in a downtown L.A. high-rise, where Plank was last seen. Although Arenas and the others indicted are not directly linked to this poker room, the building is significant because it is where Plank’s dog was discovered wandering alone.
Evidence from the Chandler search contributed to the gambling charges but failed to shed light on Plank’s fate. Her last known activity was attending her son’s football game in Downey before being recorded near the downtown apartment. Her vehicle was later located in a separate parking garage.
Forensic evidence from the downtown apartment suggested foul play, leading detectives to search the Chiquita Canyon landfill for her remains, to no avail. In 2023, a judge declared Plank legally deceased, leaving her family in search of answers.
Authorities suspect Plank may have encountered someone involved in the illegal gambling scene, complicating efforts to gather witness testimonies. Despite numerous appeals, including public billboards, Plank’s disappearance remains unsolved, with no arrests or identified suspects.