Press release
A game room in the Malakoff area was closed down by a team of Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office Thursday, and two people were arrested.
Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said law enforcement suspected the illegal activity was occurring at the Hippy Hut Game Room on State Highway 31 in Malakoff, and served a search warrant issued by 392nd District Court Judge Scott McKee.
“We are watching these particular businesses in the County with a close eye,” Hillhouse said. “And when we have the evidence needed, we will arrest the ones involved with illegal operations.”
The attendant in charge of the game room, Cheryl Norman, 48, and the manager, Regina Jones, 53 were arrested.
They both face felony and misdemeanor charges for a variety of crimes – engaging in organized criminal activity, promotion of gambling, keeping a gambling and the boxing-bet place, possession of gambling devices and possession of gambling paraphernalia.
Norman also was charged with possession of a controlled substance, suspected methamphetamine.
Investigators seized the drugs, gaming equipment and a large amount of cash.
“We have shut down these gambling houses in the past, and I will continue to make sure these operators know they are not welcomed in this County,” Sheriff Hillhouse said.
Arresting gameroom employees and writing citations to the patrons of these establishments is not in the best interest of the county or its tax payers. I just left a popular gameroom here and here is what I seen inside: out of 14 customers, 11 were 65 yrs or older. There were no drugs or drinking going on. No high stakes gambling going on. Just a bunch of friendly folks trying to pass the time and enjoy their lives. I’m sure folks with drugs can be found in in these places but ive been to Wal-Mart when i was sure most of the people there were under the influence of something. Just think the county’s time could be better used stopping real crimes