Thomas Pearson, 61, turned himself in to authorities on Thursday. He faces three felonies and six misdemeanors for owning, operating and not registering video-poker machines.
Deputies said gamblers came to Pearson's Auto Shop in Willow Springs where the bus sat out back. A family member told WRAL Pearson was an honest man with health problems who just needed some extra money.
"Well, good intentions or not, he knew it was a violation of the law and people get caught up into gambling. It's an addiction and I'm not saying he was an addict, but there are people that do get caught up into it," said Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison.
Detectives received an annoymous tip from a wife who said she was upset her husband was losing too much money.
The Sheriff's Office wanted to turn the bus into a mobile substation, but they decided it would cost too much to get it back up and running.
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