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Authorities seize over $8,000 in cash from two illegal internet cafes in Perry

An investigation by the Florida Gaming Control Commission, led agents to Rio Arcade in Havana, Florida. The establishment sits off Florida-Georgia Highway, just blocks away from where another arcade was involved in an attempted robbery.  Friday’s search resulted in illegal devices, such as gambling computers, an ATM and an undetermined amount of cash being removed from the cafe. 
(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Rich Pedroncelli/AP
/
AP
Illegal gambling machines are becoming an issue in Florida. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

The raid happened Feb. 11

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is continuing its crackdown on illegal internet cafes in Florida.

The agency announced on Tuesday, officials have confiscated four more unauthorized slot machines from two Perry convenience stores.

Three illegal gambling machines were removed out of the Perry Fast Mart on South Jefferson Street earlier this month. Agents found $8,154.77 in cash inside the machines.

“Standalone illegal casinos aren’t the only ones offering illegal slot machine gaming in this state,” said FGCC Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman. “Business franchisees, owners, and managers need to be aware of the law.

The raid happened Feb. 11— the same day agents raided another convenience store on Beach Road, according to FGCC spokesperson Katie Young.

One slot machine containing $338.10 was removed from Katie’s Kountry Corner.

Both store managers were given notice to appear in court for misdemeanor charges.

The FGCC busted five other illegal gambling operations in Florida this month. Over $19,000 and 35 machines were seized in total.

Adrian Andrews is a multimedia journalist with WFSU Public Media. He is a Gadsden County native and a first-generation college graduate from Florida A&M University. Adrian is also a military veteran, ending his career as a Florida Army National Guard Non-Comissioned Officer.

Adrian has experience in print writing, digital content creation, documentary, and film production. He has spent the last four years on the staff of several award-winning publications such as The Famuan, Gadsden County News Corp, and Cumulus Media before joining the WFSU news team.