Macon, GA – On Tuesday, June 13, 2017, the GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation, the Georgia Department of Revenue and the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, executed four (4) search warrants in Bibb County for violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.

Search warrants were served at three (3) business locations and one (1) residence in Macon. 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 business 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:

  • Shell Food Mart, 2700 Riverside Drive, Macon
  • Poplar Mart, 565 Poplar Street, Macon
  • Lizella Supermarket, 3309 Holley Road, Macon

In total, more than 30 officers launched the raids in a simultaneous and coordinated fashion. 

 Four people were arrested and approximately $22,000 in cash was seized.

A press conference regarding today’s search warrants will be held by Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney David Cooke, Jr. at 3:00 p.m. today.  The press conference will be held at his office at 661 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201.  Any questions regarding the investigation will be addressed at that time.

Ron Braxley - Assistant Special Agent in Charge | Commercial Gambling Unit | 404/270-8491