108 gambling machines, $13,000 seized in 5 Etowah County raids
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A two-week investigation into makeshift gambling halls in Etowah County led to the seizure of 108 machines and more than $13,000.
The probe began with complaints from residents in one east Gadsden neighborhood who complained of traffic hazards, loud noise, and music at night.
It ended Thursday with raids at five different locations, Sheriff Jonathon Horton announced Friday. The search warrants were carried out in east Gadsden, south Gadsden and Alabama City.
Three of the five locations, Horton said, had previously received a Cease and Desist order signed by the sheriff and the Etowah County district attorney. The orders gave the business 48 hours to remove the illegal machines. All three instead moved to different locations within Etowah County.
Sheriff’s officials will ask the courts to order the 108 machines to be destroyed.
Under Alabama law, a person commits the crime of promoting gambling if he knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling activity otherwise than as a player.
A person commits the crime of possession of a gambling device if with knowledge of the character thereof he manufactures, sells, transports, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of: (1) A slot machine; or (2) Any other gambling device, with the intention that it be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity.
Horton said no one was at any of the businesses raid and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, and arrests could come at a later time.
