Dawson, GA – On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, along with the Georgia Department of Revenue and troopers from the Georgia State Patrol in Americus, Albany, and Cuthbert, executed six (6) search warrants in the cities of Dawson and Sasser, in Terrell County.  The warrants, executed in conjunction with the Georgia Lottery Corporation, were for violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.

After a lengthy investigation, search warrants were served at five (5) 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:

  • Citgo Station, 321 S. Main Street, Dawson, GA
  • Dawson Food Mart, 125 Graves Station Road, Dawson, GA
  • Budget Inn, 609 E. Forrester Drive SE, Dawson, GA
  • Boomerang Food and Fuel, 1920 Albany Hwy., Dawson, GA
  • USA Gas, 182 Hwy. 82, Sasser, GA

In addition to the business locations, a residence, located in Lee County, was searched with the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. 

Multiple arrests are pending.

In total, more than 40 Agents, Troopers, Officers and Deputies launched the raids in a simultaneous and coordinated fashion.

Contact:  SAC Cindy Ledford | 404/270-8491