The US Attorney’s Office announced this week the federal indictment of eight Indiana residents on charges that they operated an illegal interstate gambling business.
The indictment alleges that beginning at least in January 2009, eight men from the area operated an illegal gambling business out of various locations in Jeffersonville. It is alleged that the business, which involved an interstate network of sports bookmaking, was at times handling thousands of dollars a day in wagers. These activities were also in violation of state law.
“Crime almost always begets more crime and under-the-table bookmaking like what has been alleged often acts as a magnet for other illegal activities,” said US Attorney Joseph H Hogsett. “Just as important, illegal gambling operations deny Hoosiers in southern Indiana the tax revenues they deserve.”
As a result of the 18-month federal investigation, agents have seized over US$126,000 in suspected gambling proceeds, a number of pure silver bars, several different real properties and numerous personal vehicles.
An investigation into the alleged criminal activity was launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in collaboration with the Indiana Gaming Commission and the Indiana State Police and the Jeffersonville Police Department.
As part of this investigation, on May 23, eight search warrants and seven seizure warrants were executed on various properties in the Louisville and Jeffersonville area, resulting in the seizure of evidence relating to the alleged criminal acts.
The individuals could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if they are found guilty.
