In Port Charlotte, Fla., officers from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested two suspects involved in alleged illegal gambling.
The officers had received complaints that suspected illegal gaming was taking place on slot machines at Arcade Headquarters and at Showtime Casino, where Mevin Rodriguez, 28, and Amey M. Naik, 31, were charged with being agents or employees of a gambling house.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, “Within minutes of this interaction, the other casinos in town began telling customers to leave and hurriedly closed their doors.”
Officers said Rodriguez and Naik took turns walking up the road to watch for law enforcement, and also locked the door behind every customer as they came in or out of the casino. Detectives warned patrons they were engaged in illegal activity and were advised to leave immediately.
Officials said operators at the two casinos had been warned repeatedly about gambling laws by the sheriff’s office and Florida Gaming Commission.
“Whether they choose to label themselves as casinos or arcades, these businesses are continuing to ignore the numerous warnings from law enforcement,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement.
Last year, the Charlotte County sheriff’s office raided two alleged illegal businesses and seized 200 gambling machines. But the businesses continued to operate and an armed robbery took place at one of the casinos. Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said, “It appears the owners simply don’t care as they have remained open, ignoring several warnings we have provided. Well, to these gaming establishments, I assure you, we aren’t playing.” Prummell noted following a raid, some area casinos close briefly but reopen within a few days.
He also added that patrons, as well as business operators, can be charged for patronizing an illegal gambling operation. “Regardless of what you may have heard, if you are in an establishment playing on these illegal machines, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. Please think twice before deciding to enter one of these businesses. CCSO will continue to educate the public and enforce the law on these casinos in Charlotte County.”
Next month, the state law used against Rodriguez and Naik will change from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, possibly leading to harsher penalties.
