Investigations by Tamba Bay law enforcement agencies into video slot machines have resulted in arrests. The focus was on "Cherry Master" video slot machines, considered contraband under Florida law.
Undercover investigators played the games and collected prizes or cash payoffs during the investigation, called "Operation Bad Bet," officials said. The investigation has raised the ire of some local merchants, who claim law enforcement should have better things to do than crack down on machines that offer small prizes.
"There has been a lot of taxpayer resources expended on this operation over the past 16 months," Robert Noell, Jr., one of the businessmen arrested Friday, said in an e-mail to the Times.
The seven people were arrested on a variety of charges. Those include racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, keeping a gambling house and possession of a coin operated device. Those arrested have been identified as:
Paul Thomas Virgadamo, 47, of Southeast Amusement, 2310 Success Drive, Odessa.
Kevin Gerald Krauss, 40, of Southeast Amusement, who also is the co-owner of three Pinellas County bowling alleys.
Boyce N. Abernathy, 52, of Southeast Amusement.
Michael Patrick Holley, 33, of Southeast Game Brokers, 6015 Benjamin Road, No. 324, Tampa.
Robert Noell Jr., 49, of Sunshine Vending, 700 Tuskawilla St., Clearwater.
Jenny Noell Chapman, 28, of Sunshine Vending.
Martial Le Blanc, 56, of Four Aces Amusement, 1301 102nd Ave. S.W., Pembroke Pines.
SOURCE:
St Petersburg Times.
