PHOENIX -- The long arm of the law reached from Arizona into Central America as the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office busted an Internet gambling ring.

"Our deputies started this case here locally," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "And we go to the four corners of the earth to develop investigations, especially when they pertain to Maricopa County."

Arpaio said those operating the gambling ring "are violating the law. These are serious violations, and it's our duty to bring them to justice."

The investigation took three years and led to the indictments of 36 people, most from Arizona, but some from Central America, California and Nevada. Some had ties to the mob, Arpaio said. Four Internet gambling sites were discovered.

Gambling wasn't the only crime, the sheriff said.

"There's a lot of extortion involved, with loan sharks. If you (gamblers) don't pay, they make threats, people lose their homes, some even have broken families because of this operation," Arpaio said.

Millions of dollars were involved, according to Arpaio.

"We seized $8.5 million. We hope to seize 50 million more in assets. The way you hit these people isn't just put them in jail. It's also to take their money, take their houses, take their cars, take everything away from them," said Arpaio.