April 11, 2017
Update: Commercial Gambling Search Warrants in Liberty County
Hinesville, GA – The following individuals were arrested and charged with Commercial Gambling:
Hardin Sheth, 32, of Hinesville
Ankita Sheth, 32, of Hinesville
Hiteshkumar Patel, 37, of Savannah
Chaudari Natwarlal, 43, of Savannah
On Tuesday, April 11, 2017, the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, along with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Midway Police Department, and in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Georgia Department of Revenue executed three (3) search warrants in Liberty County for violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.
Search warrants were served at three (3) business locations. While searching the locations, agents collected evidence related to crimes of commercial gambling and seized monetary assets gained from the illegal use of gaming machines.
All of the locations are currently licensed to operate Coin Operated Amusement Machines. However, during the course of the investigation, agents discovered customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits. In Georgia, credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise.
Search warrants were executed at the following business locations:
BP Gas Station, 27 S. Coastal Hwy., Midway
Bill Carter Corner Store, 7175 E. Oglethorpe Hwy., Midway
Pal N Foodmart, 16 Leroy Coffer Hwy., Midway
In total, more than 20 officers launched the raids in a simultaneous and coordinated fashion.
SAC Cindy Ledford | GBI- Commercial Gambling Unit | 404/270-8491