POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference Thursday to discuss the arrests of almost 30 people in an undercover investigation of illegal gambling houses.
“Operation Bad Odds” began with a tip about gambling machines at A-1 Discount Beverage and Discount & Deli on Pilaklakaha Avenue in Auburndale, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Undercover detectives who soon visited the stores reported finding the machines in the back rooms, the release states.
Detectives placed bets and won money - the winnings were given to them by the store clerks, and the money was handed over concealed in bankers’ bags.
PCSO detectives arrest 28 suspects and confiscate 48 illegal gambling machines during "Operation Bad Odds" (excerpt)
A total of twelve stores were identified, from which 28 people were arrested and 48 gambling machines were confiscated, along with two guns and $100,971 in U.S. currency, the sheriff’s office said.
“If you allow this machine into your establishment, understand one thing: you are violating the law. Understand another thing: our detectives are going to investigate you. Understand another thing: we’re going to run through you like a dose of salts runs through a widow woman. You’re not going to violate the law in this county,” Judd said.
Those arrested will face charges of keeping a gambling house, possessing a slot machine, and disposing of money by lottery, the sheriff’s office said, adding five of the suspects were in the U.S. illegally.
The sheriff’s office credited the Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Auburndale Police Department for their help in the investigation.
Read further on the sheriff’s office’s website.