Gambling news from http://www.newslinkindiana.com/
MUNCIE, Ind. (NLI) - Indiana State Excise Police seized more video gambling machines and shut down business today at the American Veterans bingo hall. The events are part of an ongoing investigation spreading over three counties.
Police removed more than 90 gambling machines from the hall, located on state Road 32.
The bingo hall is one of nine Delaware County establishments that have been raided. Overall, 30 businesses have been involved in the investigation, which also reaches into Henry and Madison counties.
The raids were conducted by Madison County law enforcement, the Indiana State Excise Police and some federal agencies. They stemmed from the arrest of former Teamster boss John Neal on charges of organized gambling.
Roughly one third of the shut-down locations are in Delaware County. As of Tuesday, The Anchor Lounge, Big John's Bar, Bypass Bar and Grill, Chances R Bar, Stag Bar, Village Inn, Mississinewa Tavern and Gaston Gardens have been shut down by Indiana Excise Police.
Some question why local authorities weren't more involved.
"I think the impression is that Mr. Neal has a lot of connections in this community and they wanted to protect their investigation," said Delaware County Deputy Prosecutor Mark McKinney.
Neal was arrested Monday near his Daleville home and remains in the Madison County Jail on a $1 million bond.
McKinney, who is running for Delaware County prosecutor, said the department has the resources to move forward when evidence is presented.
"If I get a prosecutable case - on racketeering, on corrupt business influence, on illegal gambling - I will prosecute them," McKinney said.
This is not Neal's first encounter with the law. He was released 18 months ago from a federal prison in Terre Haute, after serving time for gambling-related crimes. Madison County officials later began receiving tips about the gambling machines.
Monday's arrest led to the seizing of more than $3 million from Neal, including about $1 million stashed in a false wall in his home. |
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