By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
March 27, 2001
Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies seized 14 poker machines and more than $4,000 in cash Monday after an undercover investigation revealed the machines were apparently paying off in money or merchandise.
Investigator Orrin Fueling said the case was developed through tips received earlier this year, and that arrests are pending.
Callers claimed the machines, which by law are for entertainment purposes only, were actually paying off illegally.
He said warrants were obtained early Monday for machines at Mits Pit Stop on Causeyville Road, Poisso Country Store on Highway 496, and Scott's Amoco and T/A Travel Center, both located in Russell.
Although the machines were seized, along with $4,200 in cash, no charges had been filed as of press time. Fueling said allowing the machines to be operated illegally is a misdemeanor.
He said if the machines are proven to have been operated illegally, sheriff's deputies will destroy them.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.