Sheriff’s Office makes arrests for illegal gambling operations
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SILER CITY — Undercover operations by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in nine arrests which include 36 felony and 39 misdemeanor charges. The operations focused on illegal gambling and gaming activities at various locations in Chatham County. Over several months, law enforcement targeted video gambling machines that were found to be in violation of North Carolina State law.
A total of 51 businesses were inspected during the months-long investigation with 17 establishments confirmed to be in breach of state law. Violations included possession of illegal gaming equipment, promotion of illegal gambling and cash payouts for winnings. A majority of the businesses inspected — 34 — were found to be fully compliant with the state’s gaming laws.
In August, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at six different illegal gambling operations that were found to be in possession of a felonious amount of gaming machines, defined as five or more gaming machines. During these operations, law enforcement officers confiscated computer components from the illegal gaming machines, documents, and U.S. currency – which represented proceeds generated by the illegal gambling activities.
Nine individuals faced a total of 36 felony charges and 39 misdemeanor charges stemming from their involvement in these illegal operations.
North Carolina law strictly prohibits cash payouts for winnings from video gaming machines, regardless of whether they involve games of chance or skill. Many of the illegal gaming machines in question were identified as video slot games and fish table games that paid cash for credits won.
Written notices were issued to the establishments, explicitly emphasizing the illegality of such gaming systems and mandating the immediate cessation of all illegal operations.
“In our mission to keep our community safe, we’re focused on enforcing the law while recognizing the many responsible businesses that contribute to Chatham County’s positive atmosphere,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “We value the 34 businesses that followed the law and hope all local businesses can keep thriving while playing by the book. Our aim is not to shut anyone down, but to ensure everyone does right by our community.”
A&M Amusement LLC, located at 11624 US 15-501, Suite D, Chapel Hill, was found with 35 gaming machines according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office. Jeffrey Rigsbee, Ashley Rigsbee and Danielle Christian Clark, were charged with seven counts of felony operation of more than five gambling machines; two misdemeanor counts of gambling; one misdemeanor count of manufacture/sell/operate gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of electronic sweepstakes; and one count of operating/possessing a slot machine in connection with A&M Amusement.
Infinity Gaming Software LLC, at 125 Siler Crossing, Siler City, was found with 50 gambling machines. Owner Nitinkumar Jagjivandas Patel was charged with ten counts of felony operating more than five video gaming machines; one misdemeanor count of gambling; one misdemeanor count of manufacture/sell/operate gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of electronic sweepstakes; and one count of operating/possessing a slot machine.
Sunhouse Gas Station, located at 507 W. 3rd St., Siler City, was found with six gambling machines. Owner Ranjit Das, was charged with one count of felony operating more than five video gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of gambling; one misdemeanor count of manufacture/sell/operate gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of electronic sweepstakes; and one count of operating/possessing a slot machine.
Park-N-Shop Gas Station, at 201 E. 11th St., Siler City, was found with eight gambling machines. Owner Amit Previnbhai Patel was charged with one count of felony operating more than five video gaming machines; one misdemeanor count of gambling; one misdemeanor count of manufacture/sell/operate gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of electronic sweepstakes; and one count of operating/possessing a slot machine.
Country Store, at 1004 S. Chatham Ave., Siler City, was found with five gambling machines. Owners Robert Lee Cooper and John Craig Cooper were both charged with one count of felony operating more than five video gaming machines; one misdemeanor count of gambling; one misdemeanor count of manufacture/sell/operate gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of electronic sweepstakes; and one count of operating/possessing a slot machine.
BJS Gas/Bennett Vape and Tobacco, at 676 NC 22, Bennett, was found with 12 gambling machines. Owner Yaseen Abdullah was charged with one count of felony operating more than five video gaming machines; one misdemeanor count of gambling; one misdemeanor count of manufacture/sell/operate gambling machines; one misdemeanor count of electronic sweepstakes; and one count of operating/possessing a slot machine.
Locations with fewer than five illegal gambling machines were issued compliance letters and instructed to remove the machines from their businesses. These locations included Silk Hope Services, 21 Silk Hope-Lindley Mill Rd., Silk Hope, TC’s Hot Spot, 1139 W. 3rd St., Siler City, Smokerz Depot, 1516 E. 11th St., Siler City, Marathon, 320 W. Raleigh St., Siler City, Pittsboro Food Mart, 133 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro, Pittsboro Mini Mart, 516 West St., Pittsboro, Bright Mart, 1951 N. Main St., Goldston, Quick N Easy 8, 4191 Old Hwy 421, Bonlee, Jordan Mini Mart, 8036 Moncure Pittsboro Rd., Moncure, Community Store, 3445 Corinth Rd., Moncure.
Earlier this year, the N.C. General Assembly renewed an effort to legalize and regulate video gambling machines in the state. The legislation, which is largely identical to a 2021 bill that advanced then stalled, would provide significant revenue for higher education and attempt to eradicate what critics say is currently shadowy activity inside sweepstakes machine parlors.
Republican Rep. Harry Warren (R-Rowan) was the bill sponsor and argued that regulating the machines through the North Carolina State Lottery Commission would stamp out illegal activity.
Warren said over the years he’s heard estimates that between 60,000 and 100,000 illegal machines were operating in North Carolina. Gov. Roy Cooper’s proposed budget included provisions for legalizing video lottery entertainment.
