Published: August 21, 2008 06:46 am      

Gambling machines seized by sheriff

Local News

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department has a message for those keeping illegal gambling machines in their businesses: Don’t bet against being found out.

Sheriff’s deputies seized video gambling devices from four area stores Wednesday. The under-cover investigation by sheriff’s detectives resulted in search warrants being issued and the discovery and confiscation of 28 gaming and coin pusher machines, as well as cash.

The searches were conducted at:

• Slate Branch Super Stop, Slate Branch Road, Somerset, where detectives seized seven gambling machines;

• Lakeway Shell, now called Louise’s Food Mart, 2880 West Ky. 80, Somerset, where seven machines were confiscated;

• Louise’s Food Mart, 1001 E. Mt. Vernon Street, Somerset, where detectives took 12 machines;

• Southern Express, 588 Ky. 39, Somerset, where two machines were found and seized.

The investigations were conducted as a result of citizens’ complaints about the gambling machines.

“We strive to be responsive to complaints called in by our citizens,” said Sheriff Todd Wood. “These investigations and searches were a direct result of complaints on these businesses.”

Investigators are looking into reports of similar devices at other businesses in the area.

“We encourage these businesses to remove any gambling machines they may possess,” said Wood. “These machines are illegal and we will be looking into any additional complaints we receive.”

No one was charged in Wednesday’s raids, but charges of promoting first-degree gambling, a Class D felony, will be filed against the owners of the stores.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department was assisted in the execution of these warrants by the Somerset Police Department.

The investigation is continuing by the Sheriff’s Department.