Several suspects were arrested after officials in Georgia busted an illegal gambling operation.
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According to authorities, arrest warrants were issued throughout Effingham County for violations of Georgia’s gambling laws. During the investigation, agents learned that companies operating Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMS) were giving customers cash payouts for winning credits.
In Georgia, COAMS must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or retail items.
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The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office arrested the following:
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Debra McFadden, 64, is charged with two counts of cashing out money for accrued credits on coin-operated slot machines.
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Deepkumar Patel, 29, is charged with three counts of paying out tobacco for credits accrued on coin-operated slot machines.
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Hemal “Harry” Patel, 36, is charged with three counts of paying out money for accrued credits on coin-operated slot machines.
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Hiralben Patel, 43, is accused of paying out tobacco for credits accrued on coin-operated slot machines.
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Michelle Price, 44, is charged with one count of disbursing money for credits accrued on coin-operated slot machines.
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Mineshkumar Patel, 59, is charged with two counts of paying out money for accrued credits on coin-operated slot machines.
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Pushpakumar Patel, 62, is charged with two counts of paying out tobacco for credits accrued on coin-operated slot machines.
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Rajesh Patel, 60, is accused of paying out tobacco for credits accrued on coin-operated slot machines.
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Veronica Potter, 63, is accused of paying out tobacco for credits accrued on coin-operated slot machines.
All suspects are from Effingham County and their charges are felonies.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
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