DAYTON — In a county-wide operation on Thursday, Jan. 2, the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department executed several search warrants throughout the county, seizing illegal gambling machines.

Investigators served multiple search warrants at four locations following numerous complaints about illegal gambling devices, Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal said, adding that the locations involved were Bell’s Market, B&E Market and One Stop Tobacco in Dayton and Highway 27 Market in Spring City.

“This action reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to addressing illegal gambling in Rhea County, which has a history of exploiting vulnerable residents and damaging the community’s well-being,” Neal said, adding that around 2002-2003, during Neal’s first years in office, the sheriff’s department also executed similar raids at the time.

At the time, Neal personally oversaw the seizure of numerous illegal poker machines across Rhea County, he said the goal was to send a clear message that gambling operations would not be tolerated. These earlier efforts helped curtail gambling activity temporarily, Neal said, but recent complaints indicate a resurgence of these illegal practices.

“Back then, we made it clear that illegal gambling has no place in Rhea County. That mission remains unchanged,” Neal said. “We will continue to enforce the law to protect the integrity of our community and safeguard our residents.”

Neal said he urges residents to report any suspicious activities related to illegal gambling.

“We need the community’s help to tackle this issue effectively. Together, we can ensure a safer, stronger Rhea County,” Neal said.

Neal outlined four ways that illegal gambling machines can impact the Rhea County community, including:

• Addiction: Gambling devices prey on vulnerable individuals, trapping them in cycles of financial and emotional strain.

• Criminal activity: These operations often serve as hubs for money laundering, fraud, and other illicit activities.

• Economic harm: Legitimate businesses and the local economy suffer when illegal gambling operations divert financial resources.

• Social impact: The exploitation of vulnerable populations undermines the fabric of a healthy community.

“These machines exploit the vulnerable and harm the community,” Neal said. “Our mission is to ensure that Rhea County remains a safe and lawful place for all its residents.”