Sheriff's Office Shuts Down Illegal Gambling Operation, LEGGETT, September 12, 2022 - The Polk County Sheriff's Office seized forty eight-liner slot machines from 9353 US Highway 59 North on August 30th, 2022.
With a probable cause search warrant secured (due to the establishment paying out cash prizes to players), at approximately 10 a.m., investigators entered the establishment and conducted a search.
When these gambling locations open, crime always increases in the area of the establishment. These crimes commonly include armed robbery, illegal narcotics transactions, theft, stolen vehicles, burglaries, assaults, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.
Operating a gambling establishment in itself in the State of Texas is illegal, but Investigators are staying vigilant in investigating establishments of this nature to deter and catch the criminal activity these places cause and attract to improve the overall quality of life in the area. When subjects are found operating a gambling establishment, the machines, money, building, property, and any paraphernalia used or gained in this crime will be seized.
Per the Texas Attorney General's Office operating these types of establishments is a criminal offense unless all pay outs for winnings are in the form of non-cash merchandise prizes, toys, or novelties.
Though no citizens were filed on for visiting or gambling in this establishment the Sheriff would like the public to know gambling in one of these establishments is a crime as well.
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