Major Raid Targets Gambling Devices In Georgia Operator Slammed With RICO Charges

MACON, GA -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's commercial gambling unit in coordination with local law enforcement agencies conducted a massive raid to crack down on illegal gambling devices. The Oct. 28 raid, according to the GBI, included 16 search warrants executed across the state. Violations of the state's gambling laws are being investigated in Troup, Houston, Bibb, Chatham, Terrell and Henry counties.

The massive raid included more than 75 law enforcement personnel targeting some 15 convenience stores and one residence. However, a lawsuit filed by the Bibb County district attorney alleges racketeering and illegal gambling violations at 85 convenience stores and by 69 individuals. All of the locations named in the warrants are licensed to operate the machines under the master license of Forest Park-based Sudama Resorts LLC.

While the devices are legal in Georgia, they are only permitted to pay out in credits redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise (excluding tobacco or alcohol products). Undercover investigations conducted prior to the raid revealed that cash payouts occurred in as many as 25% of the more than 1,600 locations where Sudama Resorts contracted to place machines.

During a press conference following the raids, district attorney David Cooke said that to his knowledge, the suit is the largest civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case filed by the state. It is also the first raid since stores with the gambling devices have been connected to a central computer accounting system in July.

At present time, authorities have made 10 arrests. Arrested were Sandip Patel, Dimpy Patel, Virenkumar Patel, Ison Pedro Coutinho, Ghanshyam Patel, Yogesha Patel, Vimal Patel, Gautan Chaudhauri, Keyvr Patel and Tusharkumar Patel.

The gambling devices, which had a common if dubious presence in the state, were placed under the control of the George State Lottery Corp. two years ago. The move, according to its proponents, was intended to reign in corruption.