EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Multiple suspects were arrested after Georgia officials busted an illegal gambling operation.
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According to authorities, arrest warrants were executed across Effingham County for violations of Georgia’s gambling laws. During the investigation, agents learned businesses operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) gave customers cash payouts for winning credits.
In Georgia, COAMS must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise.
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The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office arrested the following:
- Debra McFadden, 64, is charged with two counts of paying out currency for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Deepkumar Patel, 29, is charged with three counts of paying out tobacco for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Hemal “Harry” Patel, 36, is charged with three counts of paying out currency for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Hiralben Patel, 43, is charged with one count of paying out tobacco for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Michelle Price, 44, is charged with one count of paying out currency for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Mineshkumar Patel, 59, is charged with two counts of paying out currency for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Pushpakumar Patel, 62, is charged with two counts of paying out tobacco for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Rajesh Patel, 60, is charged with one count of paying out tobacco for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
- Veronica Potter, 63, is charged with one count of paying out tobacco for accrued credits on coin operation amusement machines.
All the suspects are from Effingham County and their charges are misdemeanors.
This investigation is ongoing, with more arrests forthcoming.
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