A joint investigation carried out by multiple law enforcement agencies Friday afternoon resulted in several business places being raided, allegedly for conducting Internet game parlors.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office Friday, law enforcement “has confirmed that games of chance or gambling” was being conducted “in violation of Florida law at several locations in Jackson County.”
The release noted that search warrants had been obtained. Sheriff Lou Roberts told the Floridan that “representative evidence” was seized during the raids. The sheriff indicated that components were also removed that would disable operations at the businesses.
While the sheriff would not name all the businesses raided, deputies were present at facility located inside Kindel Lanes, and at a store located in the old Walmart shopping center on U.S. Highway 90 east of Marianna.
No one was arrested Friday in connection with the raids. According to the news release, “charges will be considered upon the complete examination of the evidence.”
On Monday, State Attorney Glenn Hess and Marianna Police Chief Hayes Baggett appeared before the city commission, urging the city to ban Internet games. Last month, a civil suit was filed against Hess and Roberts by one Internet gaming company, Specialized Games LLC, seeking an injunction to prevent them from arresting the company’s employees or confiscating its equipment.
Hess argued Monday that the game parlors are conducting illegal gambling because patrons are awarded points they can use on the games for each “Internet minute” they purchase.
The Friday raids were carried out by the sheriff’s office, the Marianna Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Floridan Highway Patrol and the office of the State Attorney.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement