Jacksonville Police reportedly busted three illegal gambling operations.
In a statement issued Monday, the police department said,
On December 9th, 2024, the Jacksonville Police Department executed two search warrants on two local businesses for gaming machine violations, and charged a third owner of another business for related gaming violations. Officers seized over $13,000.00, drugs, and firearms.
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MAX’S CONVENIENCE STORE / PHILLIPS 66
713 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076
Detectives seized $9,288.23 in cash along with other evidence related to gaming violations. The owner, Venkata Melapu, was arrested and charged with:
• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House
• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device
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JACKSONVILLE STOP AND SHOP
1116 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076
Detectives seized 3 gaming devices, $4,098.14 in cash, 2 firearms, and approximately 2 ounces of marijuana from the business. The owner, Ahmed Ali, was arrested and charged with:
• 1 Felony count of Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms
• 1 Felony count of Use of Another Person’s Property to Facilitate Certain Crimes
• 1 Felony count of Possession with Purpose to Deliver, Schedule VI
• 1 Felony count of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House
• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device
• Penalty enhancement for Proximity of a Certain Facility within 1000 feet of a Church or Daycare
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AJ MART – 2 LOCATIONS
1521 SOUTH FIRST STREET AND 3701 NORTH FIRST STREET
Detectives obtained search warrants for both locations, however, during their investigation they determined that the gaming machines had been moved prior to execution of the search warrants. Jagjit Singh, the owner of the business, was arrested and charged with:
• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House
• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device
With the exception of the state lottery and the casinos in Hot Springs, West Memphis, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas law generally prohibits gambling.
This isn’t the first time illegal gambling machines have cropped up in Arkansas.
In 2017 authorities in Jefferson County reportedly raided illegal gambling houses in Pine Bluff.
In 2019, law enforcement raided illegal gambling operations at several gas stations and businesses in Jacksonville.
Illegal gambling machines often are placed in gas stations, liquor stores, or old store fronts. Some look and operate a lot like slot machines while others appear more like arcade games that let players gamble for money or prizes.
Gambling is a blight on the community. It is linked to bankruptcy, divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide.
If you suspect an illegal gambling house is operating in your community, please notify your local authorities. Then call us at (501) 375-7000.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
