Over the past decade, federal investigators went undercover numerous times to play illegal electronic games in bars, lodges and veterans’ posts throughout Oklahoma. The games were supplied by Adlai S. Brinkley, 52, owner of Star Amusement in El Reno. A 77-page court affidavit filed last year said from 2009 to 2012, Brinkley and his wife deposited ,000-,000 in cash into their bank account every month for more than two decades, totaling more than million. Brinkley has not yet been charged.
Last March federal agents and Canadian County deputies raided several bars and lodges and seized gambling machines and cash, including 37 machines at an American Legion post in El Reno. Agents also seized bags of U.S. currency and gold and silver coins at Brinkley’s home in Union City.
According to the affidavit, Brinkley also may be involved in public corruption activities that have shielded him from prosecution. Eric B. Coburn, a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said, “He has created personal relationships with numerous influential individuals including law enforcement personnel throughout the state. Based on these relationships, Brinkley has been able to operate the illegal gambling enterprise in view of the public without fear of law enforcement intervention.”
Brinkley had placed electronic gambling devices in establishments in Oklahoma City, Del City, Midwest City, El Reno, Fort Cobb, Muskogee, Henryetta, Lawton, Moore, Norman, McAlester, Tulsa, Sand Springs and Kansas.
