Gambling Raids in Several States Lead to Multiple Arrests, Seized Property

Posted on: July 23, 2023, 06:24h. 

Last updated on: July 24, 2023, 01:19h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Four illicit gambling operations in several states have lead to recent arrests and the apprehension of illegal devices, cash, and firearms.

Leeds, Ala. police cruiser
Leeds, Ala. police cruiser, pictured above. Police arrested a man at an illegal gambling operation. (Image: WVTM)

On Thursday, authorities uncovered a Leeds, Ala., illegal gambling operation. Five gambling machines, two firearms, and an unspecified amount of cash were found in the property.

Following the gambling raid on the Elliott Lane operation, Thomas Jeffery Bynum, 56, was arrested on five counts of possession of a gambling device and a single count of promoting gambling, according to Alabama TV station WBMA.

The search was approved by a local judge. Details were not released by Alabama police.

South Carolina Arrests

Earlier this month, Danny Ray Turner and Brenda G. Turner, both 74, of Marion County, S.C., were charged with gambling and seven counts of unlawful possession/operation of a gambling device.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division raided their home on July 10, according to South Carolina TV station WMBF. Seven gambling machines were seized from their residence, the report added.

The devices were described as Pot O Gold gaming machines. They include poker, keno, and blackjack games. They are illegal in South Carolina.

The duo was arrested on July 12. They were booked at the Marion County Detention Center and released from custody after each posted an $8K bond.

Brenda Turner admitted to “keeping and operating the illegal machines for the purpose of illegal gambling,” according to South Carolina TV station WBTW.

Their cases were turned over to local prosecutors from the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

$18K Cash, Gambling Devices Seized

Five people were arrested in Akron, Ohio, and illegal gambling devices were seized last month during a raid.

A half-a-gram of suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, an AR-15 style rifle, three handguns, over $18,000 in cash, and 40 gambling motherboards were apprehended from the gambling operation, according to Akron TV station WOIO.

Following the court-approved search on June 7, Kyle Brown, 27, Leonard Cross IV, 23, and Davontae James, 30, were each charged with gambling and operating a gambling house, according to the report.

Brown and Cross were booked at the Summit County Jail. The other suspects were issued a summons to appear in local court.

Michael Walsh, 37, allegedly possessed the fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Beth Ison, 33, was arrested on an unrelated warrant and for misrepresenting her identity, authorities said.

Each of the five cases were turned over to local prosecutors.

Teen Shot

In another Akron case, a 16-year-old was arrested after getting shot in June in an alleged illegal gambling operation. Two adults were also charged.

The incident took place on June 5 at Akron’s Royal Queens Party Center.

The unnamed teen was wounded in the abdomen. He was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital. The injuries were described as serious, but not life-threatening.

He was charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, according to Ohio TV station WKYC.

Authorities said the teen pulled out a firearm when he entered the business. The teen and another person struggled over the firerarm, and a weapon discharged.

Authorities also seized gambling machines, gambling devices, and an unspecified amount of cash from the business.

While police were on the scene, they charged Donovan Alexander, 19, a manager, and Billy Walker, 34, who leases the property, with operating a gambling house, according to the report.

The two men were booked at the Summit County Jail.