COLONY — Following an investigation by 1819 News, a Cullman County Shell gas station outside of Hanceville with several possible illegal gambling machines on the premises has been identified as a primary donor for an Alabama Public Service Commission candidate.
According to the Alabama Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) reporting system, Republican candidate for Place 1 on the commission, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, has received $25,000 from the establishment in question.
Data provided by the system also showed that the business contributing to Gentry's campaign is listed in official state campaign contribution records as AASHNA, LLC, rather than a Shell gas station located on Highway 91 at Interstate 65 exit 291.
On Wednesday, Gentry addressed the donation in a statement to 1819 News.
"In conjunction with our DA's office, we have been in contact numerous times with the AG's office about the machines and asked for their opinion if they are, in fact, illegal and to send an investigator to inspect them," Gentry said. "To be honest, the state of Alabama has been arguing over what is 'illegal gambling' for decades, and they still can't figure it out."
He added, "I have been and continue working daily to ensure that Cullman County is safe. We, me and my whole staff, work tirelessly in these efforts by arresting murderers, rapist, drug dealers, sex offenders, child predators, domestic violence offenders and combating the mental health crisis we face everyday."
A source tells 1819 News that the gaming devices discovered at the location are typical of what the Attorney General's office has deemed illegal in Alabama.
A closer look at the exterior of the building shows black curtains and an advertising sign covering the windows of the room where the machines are located:
Gentry is facing incumbent Jeremy Oden in the Republican primary on May 19, with the general election scheduled for November 3.
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