A multi-agency investigation led by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Task Force resulted in the seizure of roughly 100 illegal gaming machines and numerous arrests as part of a coordinated crackdown on unlicensed gambling operations.
On Wednesday, law officials executed five simultaneous search warrants at two businesses and three residential homes in Madison, Champaign, and Clark Counties, Ohio, as well as Cheatham County, Tennessee.
The inquiry began in response to accusations that the targeted Ohio business sites were operating gaming machines in violation of state gambling rules.
Search warrants were served in the following locations:
- Urbana Social Club, 1590 E. U.S. Highway 36, Urbana, OH (Champaign County)
- Midway Social Club, 13790 Main St., Midway, OH (Madison County)
- 12736 N. Washington St., South Solon, OH (Madison County)
- 119 W. Jamestown St., South Charleston, OH (Clark County)
- 2466 Bell St., Ashland City, TN (Cheatham County)
Authorities seized nearly 100 suspected illicit slot machines, as well as an undetermined amount of cash, documents, and other property. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have arrested two people.
“Illegal casinos operate outside of the law and will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Madison County Sheriff John R. Swaney. “Thanks to the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies, we were able to hold those involved accountable and protect the integrity of Ohio’s gaming laws.”
The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office, Champaign and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices, South Charleston Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, Cheatham County District Attorney’s Office, and Ashland City Police Department all provided assistance.
Additional charges may be pending as detectives continue to analyze the evidence.
