A shocking discovery was made in Englewood this week, as authorities uncovered not one, but two illegal casinos being operated by a local man. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested 43-year-old John Smith after a lengthy investigation revealed his involvement in the illegal gambling operations.
According to CCSO officials, Smith had been running the illegal casinos out of two separate locations in Englewood for several months. The first location was a seedy underground gambling den hidden inside a warehouse on Main Street, while the second location was a makeshift casino set up in a back room of a local bar.
Investigators say that Smith was not only operating the illegal casinos, but was also involved in a larger racketeering scheme that spanned across multiple counties in Florida. The casinos were said to be frequented by a mix of locals and tourists, with large sums of money changing hands on a nightly basis.
CCSO deputies raided both locations simultaneously, arresting Smith and seizing a significant amount of cash, gambling equipment, and other evidence related to the illegal operations. Smith now faces numerous charges, including racketeering, operating an illegal gambling enterprise, and possession of gambling devices.
Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed his gratitude to the CCSO vice and narcotics unit for their diligent work in uncovering the illegal casinos and bringing Smith to justice. He also issued a warning to other would-be criminals, stating that the CCSO will not tolerate illegal activities of any kind in Charlotte County.
As news of the illegal gambling operations spread throughout the community, residents were shocked and appalled by the brazen nature of Smith’s actions. Many expressed relief that the CCSO was able to shut down the illegal casinos before any further harm could be done.
The investigation into John Smith’s illegal gambling operation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any additional individuals who may have been involved in the racketeering scheme. In the meantime, Smith remains in custody at the Charlotte County Jail, awaiting his day in court to face the serious charges against him.