A grieving family is calling for a stricter crackdown on so-called “Internet cafes,” which are often a front for illegal gambling businesses. In November of 2023, Lewis Butler was working as a security guard at an internet cafe in Havana, Florida, when he was shot to death during a robbery. Tallahassee Attorney Ben Crump said the owners of the cafe didn't even notify police.
"They didn't report the robbery because they didn't want the state attorney scrutinizing the illegal gambling activities that were taking place."
Crump wound up winning a $780 million wrongful death suit against the cafe's owners. But he says the Florida Legislature needs to pass tougher laws against such establishments. He made the case during a Tuesday news conference at the Leon County Courthouse, joined by Butler's widow and Democratic State House Member Michelle Rayner.
Rayner said she'd be pushing for stricter measures cracking down on the illegal gambling dens.
"We have session that's going to start in January. So what can we do? It's very simple. We can file a bill. We can make sure it passes both houses and make sure the governor signs it."
