Three Hispanic Enterprise businesses were forced to forfeit 15 illegal gambling machines in recent months, according to 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox.
A task force comprised of the Enterprise Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff's Office, and the 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office conducted an operation in May to shut down illegal gambling operations at multiple locations in Enterprise. The operation was named "Project Las Vegas."
Three businesses were found to be in possession of illegal gambling machines. The machines, along with money obtained illegally from their operation, were seized, and petitions for forfeiture and condemnation were filed in Coffee County Circuit Court in an effort to have the machines and money forfeited to the State of Alabama.
Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Mitchell represented the State in preparing and presenting the case.
After hearings on the petitions for forfeiture and condemnation, the Coffee County Circuit Court ordered Las Flores Mexican Store, located at 1081F Highway 27, Enterprise, to forfeit four illegal gambling machines, along with equipment used to operate them, and a total of $3,596 to the state by consent of the owners of Las Flores Mexican Store on August 29, 2024.
Tortilleria Chapin, located at 1035 Geneva Highway, Enterprise, forfeited seven illegal gambling machines, along with equipment used to operate these machines, and a total of $2,286 to the state by consent of the owners of Tortilleria Chapin on August 29, 2024.
El Paisano Supermarket #2, located at 913 Rucker Blvd. 44B, Enterprise forfeited four illegal gambling machines, along with equipment used to operate them, and a total of $10,013 to the state by order of the Circuit Court after a trial conducted on November 20, 2024.
"I appreciate the work of ADA Mitchell in bringing these matters to a close and securing the forfeiture of these illegal machines and all the money discovered during the operation," Tarbox said on Monday. "It was very important to me, Sheriff Scott Byrd, and Chief Michael Moore that a message be sent to the Enterprise and Coffee County community that we are not going to tolerate illegal gaming any longer. Project Las Vegas was a resounding success."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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