According to a press release issued by the District Attorney’s Office in Pasquotank County, three North Carolina businesses were raided by investigators for conducting illegal casinos on the sites. This raid occurred on Thursday, January 23.
The raid resulted in the seizure of several video slot machines, fish machines, and other types of gambling machines. Also seized in the operation was $210,000 in cash, co
mputer equipment and screens, as well as documentation and records.
The raid occurred at three separate facilities. These included The North Highway 17 Recreation Center, The North Highway 17 Recreation Center Annex and Lambs Marina in Camden. A home on Weeksville Road was also searched.
At this point no one has been arrested or charged, however, investigators expect that arrests will occur in the near future.
According to the press release, an investigation began about a year ago following complaints about illegal gambling operations. At the time, District Attorney Andrew Womble set up a special task force to investigate the allegations.
In the press release, it was explained that “Among the list of complaints were family members who claimed their significant other was spending all the family’s living expenses, not leaving enough to even pay for food or essential family staples; claims of robbery within and around the establishments and alleged prostitution and drugs sales.”
Investigators then sent in undercover agents to observe the activities going on within the three businesses. Inside they found ATM machines which people were using to receive cash payouts. In explaining the activities of law enforcement agents, the statement explained:
“Undercover ALE Special Agents found the locations were operating as a casino. According to law enforcement officials, all three establishments were buildings open to the public where gambling games were being operated and played. Buildings were complete with an ATM machine and cash payouts were being made for winnings on the gambling machines, which are all characteristics of a casino.”
In North Carolina, it is a crime to gamble or to operate illegal gaming machines. The statement explained that law enforcement officials seek to crack down on these kinds of operations because these locations “attract drugs, prostitution, and other illegal activity.”
Law enforcement officials made it clear that they are not done with their investigation. They will continue to follow through with the complaints that were filed and stated that “arrests are expected.”
