PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Authorities have shut down a massive network of illegal gambling arcades operating across Florida—stretching from West Palm Beach to Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Zephyrhills. Investigators say it was all part of a sophisticated money-laundering scheme, with suspects pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Operation Fool’s Treasure has already led to five arrests, including the alleged masterminds behind this operation.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBCSO), their investigation into the arcades began in 2019 when officials observed signs of illegal gambling activities at the West Palm Beach arcade. In 2022, the case was referred to their Money Laundering Unit.
The investigation identified Nova Roffey, 41, and her husband David Roffey as the owner of JJE Technologies LLC, which operates Treasure Hunt Arcade, located at 2885 North Military Trail.
Other establishments involved in the investigation include VIP Sweepstakes in Fort Pierce, Pharaoh’s Treasure Arcade in Vero Beach, and Arcadia Arcade, all of which are reportedly engaged in similar illegal activities.
The other “targets” identified in this investigation are listed as follows:
Through surveillance operations, investigators confirmed that the arcades were operating video slot machines that pay out cash prizes, violating Florida gambling laws.
Investigators say the arcade used ‘reload cards’—a tactic resembling cruise ship casinos. Patrons loaded money onto cards, played video slot machines, and cashed out their winnings—all in violation of state gambling laws.
Under Florida law, the possession of slot machines offering cash prizes is illegal, except in specific licensed facilities, such as certain tribal locations and pari-mutuel sites in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. During undercover operations, investigators observed that only cash was being offered as prizes.
The investigation also uncovered significant money laundering activities associated with the arcades, involving three bank accounts linked to two LLCs. These accounts are held by JJE Technologies LLC at Wells Fargo and PNC Bank, and SWFL Center LLC at Fifth Third Bank.
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From October 20, 2022, to October 19, 2023, a total of $763,196 in cash was deposited into the West Palm Beach arcade’s accounts. Those funds allegedly paid for payroll, utilities, and even luxury expenses like a Mini Cooper. Authorities say it was all part of a larger scheme to disguise the operation’s profits.
At the same time, $527,010 was deposited into the Vero Beach arcade, and $571,414 into an account associated with the Fort Pierce arcade.
Additionally, deputies reported the operation of multiple automated teller machines (ATMs) without traditional bank oversight. These ATMs, often referred to as white-label machines, are owned by private companies rather than financial institutions. Investigators noted that access to these independent ATMs is tightly controlled; only patrons of the illegal gambling establishments can use them, as arcade employees manage entry through a locked security system. The machines are allegedly installed to facilitate illegal gambling operations and are frequently stocked with cash generated from the arcades’ illicit activities.
The investigation also led authorities to Miami-based Grandview Products, a company accused of supplying slot machines to these illegal arcades. Inside its warehouse, investigators found hundreds of slot machines, linking the supply chain directly to the Treasure Hunt Arcade and other locations.
Nova Roffey has been accused of 50 counts of unlawful possession of slot machine devices, operating an unlawful lottery, being an agent or employee of a gambling house, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, keeping a gambling house, money laundering of $100,000 or more, and conspiracy to commit money laundering of $100,000 or more.
Ritesh Patel, a manager at the West Palm Beach arcade, is also accused of facilitating this operation. When deputies entered the arcade on January 16, they found Patel in the manager’s office with a backpack full of cash bundles labeled for Roffey and payroll. Patel stated that he was delivering $20,000 in cash to Roffey to make payments for ownership of the arcade.
Patel faces accusations of 50 counts of unlawful possession of slot machines, operating an unlawful lottery, being an agent or employee of a gambling house, keeping a gambling house, and conspiracy to commit money laundering of $100,000 or more.
Joseph Michael Pestana, Eric David Silverstein, Justin Earl Silverstein, and David Roffey have been accused of money laundering of $100k or more, conspiracy money laundering of $100k or more, keeping a gambling house, agent or employee of a gambling house, conducting an unlawful lottery and unlawful manufacturing of sale or possession of coin-operated devices.
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