Police say more arrests expected in gaming machine investigation

Posted by author October 4, 2024 Gambling

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MONTICELLO, Ky. (WKYT) -Two people were arrested, and dozens of gaming machines confiscated following an investigation into at least four businesses.

Search warrants were issued at stores in Monticello and in the Frazier community of Wayne County.

Police say it follows complaints and new directives from Frankfort.

The investigation started at Bootlegger Wine and Spirits, also known as Crown Wine and Spirits, on Columbia Avenue. A search warrant was issued there and at three other places in Wayne County.

It resulted in the arrests of Jaimin Patel and Obula Reddy. Both are facing felony gambling-related charges. Monticello Police Chief Joey Hoover says the raid stemmed in part from some recent court cases and a letter from the Kentucky Attorney General dealing with machines of this matter.

“The issue for us is that these establishments were paying their customers for winnings. And that is illegal. It’s a felony, promoting gambling,” Hoover said.

Police also say federal agencies were involved in the investigation and that the state Alcohol Beverage Control agency was looking into complaints of marijuana being sold at several of the businesses.

Police say 54 machines are now in police evidence and that more arrests are expected.

WKYT reached out to the owners of the establishments but were not able to contact them.