Cut Rate Tobacco Shop on Whittaker Way in Montpelier was one of three area businesses that the Ohio Investigative Unit and local polices officers executed search warrants for on Thursday, January 29.
The searches were part of an illegal gambling investigation. Other businesses searched include a second Cut Rate Tobacco Shop in Bryan and a Petro 2 Truck Stop on American Road in Napoleon.
Officers seized eight slot machines, a quarter push machine, records, and money associated with gambling during their searches on the Cut Rate Tobacco Shops in Bryan and Montpelier.
The Petro 2 Truck Stop has been issued citation against its liquor permit for seven counts each of acquire, possess, control, or operate a gambling device, game of chance for profit, or scheme of chance; operating a gambling house; and recklessly permitting public gaming.
Criminal charges will be presented to prosecutors for each location. A subsequent administrative case against Petro 2 will be presented to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission after the criminal charges are complete.
INFORMATION PROVIDED