Two illegal aliens arrested in Sarasota gambling sting

• Officers from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office completed an operation against illegal gambling recently
• More than 100 slot machines and an unspecified amount of cash were seized during the operation
• Two people, who were residing in the country illegally, were arrested

An operation against illegal gambling in Florida saw two illegal aliens land in jail.

Late last week, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), released details regarding the illegal gambling sting that resulted in the seizure of more than 100 slot machines.

117 slot machines were seized during a raid

Law enforcement conducted months-long investigation into potential illegal gambling activities in Sarasota County prior to raiding a venue in Sarasota.

Police obtained a search warrant for the venue, the Magic Arcade, located at 5624 Swift Road in Sarasota.

On site, SCSO officers, in collaboration with agents from the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), discovered and seized 117 slot machines.

An unspecified amount of cash was also found and seized at the Magic Arcade.

Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman, spoke about the latest operation against illegal gambling, Casino Guru News learned from a press release.

"We continue to partner with the Florida Gaming Control Commission with the goal of ridding our community of these gambling businesses. Our citizens’ complaints have been heard, and we are successfully shutting them down," the Sheriff said.

Finally, Hoffman pointed out: "Not only were these arrestees breaking our state gambling laws, but they have also broken our immigration laws, and through our partnership with ICE, they will be held accountable."

Two men, residing in the country illegally, were arrested and charged

During the raid, police arrested two men, suspected of being involved in the operation of the illegal gambling venue.

According to law enforcement, the two men, age 28 and 30, were taken into custody and are now facing charges related to keeping/maintaining a gambling house and possession of slot machines.

Concerningly, police discovered that both men were residing in the United States illegally on revoked visas.

Currently, the two suspects are being held at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility.

According to the SCSO, while an investigation is ongoing, they are also collaborating with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for illegal immigration enforcement.

The illegal gambling operation highlights the successful efforts of the SCSO's Intelligence and Tactical Units, Special Investigations Section, Criminal Investigations Section, Patrol, and Crime Scene Unit in collaboration with HSI and the FGCC.

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