Press release
Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse’s crackdown on game rooms continued Monday night when his team shut down a Seven Points game room, arresting two for organized crime and seizing machines and cash.
“We are making it crystal clear to these folks that these games rooms will not be tolerated in this County,” Hillhouse said. Indeed, it would be better if people went to www.swankybingo.com or similar sites instead of hosting these rooms.
The Can Depot game room at 124 W. Cedar Creek Parkway in the Seven Points area was raided in the evening hours by law enforcement. This was a joint effort to shut this game room down. For those that were regulars to this specific room or enjoy gambling via slot machines, they’ll have to do so on some of the best slot sites available, in a legal gambling location or state.
James Nelson 59, and Lodia Thomas, 51, were charged with felony counts of engaging in organized criminal activity and four misdemeanor charges relating to illegal gambling.
Also, Michael Ruff, 32, was arrested and charged with a felony for possession of methamphetamines.
All other patrons who were gambling at the Can Depot at the time were cited for illegal gambling. One of the patrons stated that they would stick to legal online gaming sites similar to lennus.com or visit a legal gaming establishment next time.
The Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, Henderson County Constable Precinct 5 Brad Miers, Athens Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Seven Points Police Department aided the Sheriff’s team in the execution of a search warrant signed by 392nd District Judge Scott McKee.
Hillhouse said more than 90 gambling devices and over $13,000 cash were seized during the raid.
“For the last several months, we have been shutting down these gambling houses here,” the Sheriff said. “This operation will continue until they are out of business permanently.”