JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office, alongside the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement, successfully carried out simultaneous seizures in a four-county illegal gaming sting operation.
“The era of Missouri’s illegal gaming industry hiding behind a so-called ‘gray market’ is over,” Hanaway said. “Illegal gaming has formed nuisance centers across our state, and this billion-dollar industry has paved the way for violent and organized crime. We are proud to have partnered with local law enforcement in a sting operation that marks the start of our next phase of enforcement. My office remains committed to dismantling illegal gaming manufacturers, distributors and retail stores that continue to defy law enforcement.”
“This sting operation reflects our shared commitment with the Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law, hold violators accountable, and protect lawful business practices throughout Missouri,” said MSHP Col. Michael A. Turner.
Devices and funds seized
During the sting operation, 35 devices and $58,815 in illegal funds were seized. The attorney general filed 21 felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling for four of the locations and five misdemeanor counts of second-degree promoting gambling for the fifth location. The attorney general reminds the public that these criminal charges are merely allegations. As in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law…