Florida seizes 239 slot machines and arrests 10 people in Lee County
Investigators also seized ten vehicles, including two Bentleys, after raids on five arcades in a probe backed by Pennsylvania police.
Key takeaways:
- Florida authorities arrested ten people and seized 239 slot machines in searches at five Lee County venues on 27 October, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- The venues were Royal on Palm Arcade, 77 Arcade, King’s Paradise Arcade, Sneaky Pete’s Lucky 7 Arcade and Spin City Arcade.
- The Florida Gaming Control Commission and Pennsylvania law enforcement supported the operation, which Executive Director Alana Zimmer said followed months of preparation.
US.- Florida authorities have arrested ten people and seized 239 slot machines following an investigation into alleged illegal gambling operations in Lee County. The action involved searches at five venues on 27 October, with help from the Florida Gaming Control Commission and law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania.
The locations targeted were:
- The Royal on Palm Arcade and 77 Arcade in Fort Myers
- King’s Paradise Arcade in North Fort Myers
- Sneaky Pete’s Lucky 7 Arcade in Bonita Springs
- Spin City Arcade in Fort Myers.
The investigation also involved the Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics and Economic Crimes units. Officers used surveillance and undercover agents to gather evidence before executing search warrants at the five locations.
The investigations resulted in the confiscation of US$715,272 in cash and US$661,454 in gold coins and bars. Authorities also froze US$383,573 in bank assets, bringing the total value of the reported financial assets to more than US$1.76m. Investigators additionally seized ten vehicles, including two Bentleys, a Mercedes-Benz, several Cadillacs and a 2026 Cadillac Escalade.
The ten people arrested were identified as Dennis Martin, Ronald Longo, Timothy Fandry, Melissa Olarte, Dijela Ivezaj, William Holman, Debra Wolovlek, Angela Vittitoe, Harold Hauck Jr. and Stamena Gacevic.
Florida Gaming Control Commission Executive Director Alana Zimmer said the operation followed months of preparation. The arrests and seizures form part of the state’s ongoing enforcement efforts against unauthorised gambling businesses.
In September, the FGCB seized 163 illegal slot machines and $247,285 in cash from two St. Petersburg businesses in an operation named Operation Final Spin. At Action Arcade, 6541 54th Avenue North, agents seized 90 machines and $142,020, and two people were issued notices to appear. At The Zoo Sports Club and Grille, 5111 66th Street North, agents seized 73 machines and $105,265. One person was issued a notice to appear on one count of possession of slot machines and one count of acting as an agent or employee of a gambling house.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What happened in the Lee County slot machine raids? On 27 October, authorities searched five venues in Fort Myers, North Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, arrested ten people and seized 239 slot machines, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- What assets were seized? US$715,272 in cash, US$661,454 in gold coins and bars, and ten vehicles. US$383,573 in bank assets were frozen, bringing the reported financial assets to more than US$1.76m.
- Which agencies were involved? The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Economic Crimes units, the Florida Gaming Control Commission and law enforcement partners in Pennsylvania. Officers used surveillance and undercover agents before executing warrants.
