SCSO Arrests Five Involved in Illegal Gambling

NEWS RELEASE 25-008 – MARCH 4, 2025

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) working jointly with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) arrested Ciara Boles, 34, and Stivi Breshani, 29, both of Venice, Emily Gill, 26, of Sarasota, Ilir Iskali, 44, of Addison, IL, and Christine McCormack, 42, of Port Charlotte on charges related to illegal gambling.

The arrests are the result of an investigation that began in April 2024 into multiple illegal gambling establishments within Sarasota County. From the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the business along with arrest warrants for these subjects involved in the operation.

“Our agency has received many complaints about these illegal establishments popping up in Sarasota County. This is the first of many steps towards holding them accountable and closing them down,“ stated Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman.

Gill was present at the business on February 26 and arrested. The SCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit assisted with the location and arrests of Boles and McCormack on that same day. On February 28, an additional arrest warrant was obtained for Breshani who was arrested and taken into custody without incident. On March 3, Iskali turned himself in at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility.

All five of the defendants were charged with Criminal Enterprise (RICO). Additional charges among the five suspects included Possession of a Slot Machine, Maintaining a Gambling Establishment, and Money Laundering.  One other suspect, Ilia Lulo, has not been taken into custody, but an arrest warrant has been obtained. Almost 60 illegal slot machines were seized from the business.

“The Florida Gaming Control Commission is proud to partner with Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. SCSO has made its home safer by targeting those responsible for siphoning away funds from their neighbors with illegal slot machines. These unlawful machines are unregulated and lack any consumer protections,” said Ross Marshman, Florida Gaming Control Commission Acting Executive Director.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of Ilia Lulo, please submit an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers at 941.366.8477 or SarasotaCrimestoppers.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE