Six local businesses suspected of running illegal gambling operations were raided last week by local authorities.
Law enforcement officials served warrants during simultaneous raids at the Shell Station located at 10A Patrick Mill Road in Winder, the Shell Station at 830 Loganville Highway in Bethlehem, the G & S Shop at 669 Atlanta Highway in Winder, Big Don’s game room and the Universal Game Room both on West May Street in Winder and the Sam’s Shell Station also located on West May Street in Winder.
The warrants were obtained as a result of a four week long undercover operation by personnel from the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, the Winder Police Department, the Department of the Treasury and the Statham Police Department.
Shah Sheel
Barrow authorities conduct gambling raid
During the investigation, undercover officers made several visits to the businesses in which they played video poker and were allowed to trade winning tickets for cash, alcohol and lottery tickets in violation of state law.
“It’s been happening for years, but in the last three or four months, we have seen a spike in (video gambling)," said Winder police detective Frank Farr.
Winder Police said 37 machines were seized and three suspects arrested during the three raids conducted by their department.
Those arrested by Winder Police include Janet Smith, Mdabdullah Umair and Amin Khimani. All three were charged with commercial gambling. Smith and Khimini face additional charges of keeping a gambling place.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office also conducted three raids which have resulted in two arrests.
On June 15, the Sheriff's Office arrested
Azim Jivani, 28, of Lawrenceville, and Shah Sheel, 25, of Winder, in connection with the illegal gambling operations. Both were charged with commercial gambling and keeping a gambling place.
Jivani was employed at the Shell Station on Patrick Mill Road and Shah was an employee of the G & S Shop.
Both subjects have been released on $18,000 bond.
According to Inv. Matt Guthas of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, the BCSO continues to investigate leads and obtain evidence.
The undercover investigation stemmed from numerous citizen complaints regarding illegal activities at the locations.
Last month, Auburn Police conducted similar raids at three Auburn convenience stores after an extended investigation which began when police received numerous tips from concerned citizens.
Auburn Police confiscated five gambling machines and seized over $15,000 in cash after an undercover operation revealed evidence of illegal gambling activities.
Four people, including one of the store owners, were charged with commercial gambling and keeping a place of gambling as a result of the investigation.
“It’s been happening for years, but in the last three or four months, we have seen a spike in (video gambling)," said Winder police detective Frank Farr.
Winder Police said 37 machines were seized and three suspects arrested during the three raids conducted by their department.
Those arrested by Winder Police include Janet Smith, Mdabdullah Umair and Amin Khimani. All three were charged with commercial gambling. Smith and Khimini face additional charges of keeping a gambling place.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office also conducted three raids which have resulted in two arrests.
On June 15, the Sheriff's Office arrested
Azim Jivani
Jivani was employed at the Shell Station on Patrick Mill Road and Shah was an employee of the G & S Shop.
Both subjects have been released on $18,000 bond.
According to Inv. Matt Guthas of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, the BCSO continues to investigate leads and obtain evidence.
The undercover investigation stemmed from numerous citizen complaints regarding illegal activities at the locations.
Last month, Auburn Police conducted similar raids at three Auburn convenience stores after an extended investigation which began when police received numerous tips from concerned citizens.
Auburn Police confiscated five gambling machines and seized over $15,000 in cash after an undercover operation revealed evidence of illegal gambling activities.
Four people, including one of the store owners, were charged with commercial gambling and keeping a place of gambling as a result of the investigation.
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#1
Anonymous
on
06/11/10 at 09:57 PM
[Reply]
These gaming machines are still scattered all over the county and despite the fact that Ive never put a dollar into one of these machines, I hear lots of conversation about payouts at many of the convenience stores and gathering places.Its funny that these few locations were picked out and made an example of, while there is a major gaming operation going on right on Broad street.The police have to see it....Small convenience store with a parking lot full of cars day and night.
#1.1
Anonymous
on
06/12/10 at 08:22 AM
[Reply]
Hmmm....you must be talking about Short Stop (Phillips 66) store. Yeah, that store stays packed all the time.
#2
pdaddy
on
06/12/10 at 06:27 PM
[Reply]
i thought it was 3?
#2.1
Anonymous
on
06/12/10 at 08:17 PM
[Reply]
3 what?
#3
william lofquist
on
06/15/10 at 03:25 PM
[Reply]
these are no worse than scratch off or lotto just because the goverment isnt getting there cut is the reason what a shame
#4
pokerbot
on
12/11/10 at 05:26 AM
[Reply]
controversial stuff and I love the comments but what about the ugly issue of collusion in online poker?
#5
OH NO
on
12/11/10 at 07:41 AM
[Reply]
You got it all wrong, These are the stores that don't give the cops free coffee and doughnuts.