OHIO INVESTIGATIVE UNIT
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
1970 W. BROAD ST., 4TH FLOOR
COLUMBUS, OHIO  43223
PHONE: 614-644-2415 FAX: 614-644-2463

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Contact: Rich Cologie January, 15, 2005 (614) 425-0240

INVESTIGATIVE UNIT BUSTS ILLEGAL TEXAS HOLD ‘EM
Agents confiscate more than $42,000 in illegal gambling proceeds

CLEVELAND – Agents from the Ohio Investigative Unit broke up an illegal Texas Hold ‘Em tournament in Avon Lake last night after conducting an investigation into gambling at an American Legion Post. Although Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments have become very popular because of television, they are prohibited under Ohio law, if all proceeds do not go to charity,” said Ed Duvall, Jr., Deputy Director of the Ohio Investigative Unit. “Our agents will work with local police agencies across Ohio to enforce the law to its fullest extent when we receive reports of illegal gambling.” Agents confiscated playing cards, poker chips, poker tables, and gambling records and more than $22,000 in cash during a poker tournament with an estimated 100 people in attendance. American Legion Post 0211, located at 31972 Walker Road, Avon Lake, was cited for Permitting and/or Allowing Gambling. At approximately 2:00 a.m. Saturday, agents executed a second search warrant at 13924 Cherokee Street in Middleburg Heights, where they confiscated gambling documents and more than $13,000 in cash. A third search warrant was executed at 6044 Wilbur in Parma, where agents confiscated gambling documents and more than $6,000 in cash.
Agents received assistance from Avon Lake Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, and Parma Police Department during the execution of the search warrants.
The American Legion Post will be required to appear before the Liquor Control Commission in Columbus Ohio at a later date. Possible penalties include a fine, suspension, or revocation of their Liquor Permit. Agents will meet with the Cuyahoga County and Lorain County Prosecutor’s Offices to review criminal charges related to the illegal gambling.

Printed from http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/news/2005/01_15_05_OIU.pdf