Major gambling operation busted in Hall County..

[kiwi steve]

Updated Monday, May 1 at 12:01 PM

GAINESVILLE - The Hall County Sheriff's Office assisted by a number of other agencies busted a major gambling operation in east Hall County Sunday.

As a result of a long-term investigation into a commercial gambling operation involving horse racing the Hall County Sheriff's Office was able to successfully execute a search warrant and arrest a number of participants.

The investigation was initiated following numerous complaints and information, from various sources, which led law enforcement to believe that horse races were occurring on the property and that those involved were placing bets on the individual races.

The property located at 4430 Three Bridges Road contained a well-manicured ¼ mile dirt racetrack, which had commercial starting gates as well as a finish line equipped with a photo finish. A parking attendant collected money for spectator parking. The operation had portable toilets for the spectators as well as bleachers and concessions for sale.

Upon entering the property law enforcement official confronted approximately 200 spectators and several active participants. With the exception of approximately 20 who fled on foot as officials arrived, all other spectators were cooperative. The ones who fled where quickly rounded up by Sheriff's K-9's.

The warrant yielded the following seizures, $60,816.00, eight firearms (2 semi automatic pistols, 1 shotgun, 5 rifles), one Massey Ferguson Tractor, one Bob Cat (front end loader), three pick up trucks, one SUV and two horse trailers. The property, which consists of approximately 30 acres, is in the process of condemnation.

Agencies involved in the operation were members of the Hall County Sheriffs Office, Gainesville Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, FBI, ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement), GBI, Department of Agriculture, Pardons and Parole, The Hall County District Attorney's Office, Georgia State Patrol, ATF and the US Marshals Service.

During the course of the execution of the search warrant, safety checkpoints were conducted on Three Bridges Road and as a result an additional 43 citations for various traffic related charges where issued including: DUI, No License, and No Insurance.

There where ten arrest made during the operation. All ten where arrested and transported to the Hall County Detention Center.

This is an ongoing investigation with the possibility of additional arrest. Sheriff Cronic hopes this sends a strong message that illegal gambling of any kind will not be tolerated in Hall County.

[scott]

How can this be on the level?