FBI, IRS investigating Paragon Restaurant in Hobart, Gino's Steakhouse in Merrillville, home in Schererville
FBI and IRS agents were seen at two restaurants and a in Northwest Indiana, Wednesday morning, carrying out a large investigation.
The Northwest Indiana Times said federal agents were seen the Paragon Restaurant in Hobart and the home of its owner James Gerodemos in Schererville, along with Indiana State Police.
Agents were also at Gino's Steakhouse on East Lincoln Highway in Merrillville. They could be seen removing materials from a storage shed in the back of the parking lot.
The agents at the Gino's Steakhouse included were from the FBI, Customs and Border Protection and others. They took away boxes of items, computer hard drives and other materials, and examined vehicles. The Merrillville Fire Department was also at the scene, assisting with tools.
Restaurant regulars tried to get in for lunch but were turned away by agents, leaving them curious about what was going on.
"It's strange, I— we didn't have any idea all of this was going on out here," said regular patron Martha Miller.
"He just told me I couldn't be here, I can't be here," said fellow regular Lynne Woods. She said she's been going there for years. "It is a very big shock. Especially since he won't tell you why or any of that."
An FBI spokesperson confirmed the FBI is conducting a "multi-agency operation" with "court authorized law enforcement activity occurring at multiple locations in Northern Indiana and other states."
The FBI said there is no known threat to the public connected to this investigation, but could not provide further details because it is an ongoing investigation.
CBS News Chicago found records showing both Paragon and Gino's and the home agents raided are associated with the same individual. We tried reaching out to that person but were not able to talk to them.
CBS News Chicago has also reached out to the IRS for any information or comment but have not heard back.