On Monday, October 30, 2023, the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, along with the Turner County Sheriff’s Office, the Sycamore Police Department and the Ashburn Police Department served arrest warrants for five individuals indicted on multiple gambling related charges.  

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, a Turner County Grand Jury returned true bill indictments for all five individuals for violations of Georgia’s gambling laws and related offenses.  

The investigation indicates agents discovered businesses operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) where customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits.  In Georgia, COAMS must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for non-cash prizes such as lottery tickets and/or store merchandise.  

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Turner County Sheriff’s Office at 229-567-2401 or the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit at  404-270-8491. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

 

 

 

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Cindy H. Ledford

[email protected]