Valdosta, GA – On Wednesday, April 12, 2017, the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, along with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Valdosta Police Department, and in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Georgia Department of Revenue executed eight (8) search warrants in Lowndes County for violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.

Search warrants were served at seven (7) business locations and one (1) residence. 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 the businesses 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:

Warraich 7862, LLC (7-11 Grocery), 1407 West Hill Ave., Suite C, Valdosta

Leah 229, 2904 North Patterson Street, Suite I, Valdosta

Lee Minit Mart #2, 1306 North Ashley Street, Valdosta

Lee Minit Mart #1, 505 East Ann Street, Valdosta

Citgo Station, 1836 West Hill Ave., Valdosta

One Dollar Family, 1913 North Ashley Street, Valdosta

Exclusive Production, 1412 East Park Ave., Suite D, Valdosta

Multiple arrests are pending.  In total, more than 60 officers were involved in the operation.

SAC Cindy Ledford | Commercial Gambling Unit | 404/270-8491