3 arrested in suspected welfare fraud tied to Pasadena liquor store
The owner of a Pasadena liquor store and two clerks have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit welfare fraud after a joint investigation involving local and federal authorities.
The Pasadena Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. 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 earlier this week.
The investigation into Sunshine Liquor, at 3360 E. Colorado Blvd., started in 2011 after local authorities received complaints about possible welfare fraud.
George Kerio, 38, of Glendale is the owner of Sunshine Liquor, according to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website. Kerio was arrested, as were Nassib Shankour, 43, and Daniel Bonilla, 29, both of Pasadena. The business has been cited in the past for selling alcohol to a minor and was forced to close for 15 days and pay a $3,000 fine.
Nine weapons and about $300,000 in cash were seized when the search warrants were served, according to a statement released by the Pasadena Police Department. Police are also seeking a fourth suspect.
-- Adolfo Flores, Times Community News
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