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INVESTIGATIVE UNIT BUSTS ILLEGAL
TEXAS HOLD 'EM
Agents confiscate more than $42,000 in illegal gambling proceeds
CLEVELAND – Agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit
broke up an illegal Texas Hold ‘Em tournament in Avon Lake on January 14, 2005 after
conducting an investigation into gambling at an American Legion Post.
“Although Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments have become very popular because of
television, they are prohibited under Ohio law, if all proceeds do not go to
charity,” said Ed Duvall, Jr., Deputy Director of the Ohio Investigative Unit.
“Our agents will work with local police agencies across Ohio to enforce the law
to its fullest extent when we receive reports of illegal gambling.”
Agents confiscated playing cards, poker chips, poker tables, and gambling
records and more than $22,000 in cash during a poker tournament with an
estimated 100 people in attendance. American Legion Post 0211, located at 31972
Walker Road, Avon Lake, was cited for Permitting and/or Allowing Gambling.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 15, 2005, agents executed a second search warrant at
13924 Cherokee Street in Middleburg Heights, where they confiscated gambling
documents and more than $13,000 in cash. A third search warrant was executed at
6044 Wilbur in Parma, where agents confiscated gambling documents and more than
$6,000 in cash.
Agents received assistance from Avon Lake Police Department, Middleburg
Heights Police Department, and Parma Police Department during the execution
of the search warrants.
The American Legion Post will be required to appear before the Liquor Control
Commission in Columbus Ohio at a later date. Possible penalties include a fine,
suspension, or revocation of their Liquor Permit. Agents will meet with the
Cuyahoga County and Lorain County Prosecutor’s Offices to review criminal
charges related to the illegal gambling.
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