Ten charged in Wake gambling busts
State Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement agents charged 10 people and seized more than $187,000 in cash Friday night in raids on an illegal gambling operation in Wake County, authorities said Monday.
Posted — UpdatedComplaints from neighbors prompted an ALE investigation, which authorities said uncovered a complex gambling enterprise involving sports betting and high-stakes poker that included barricaded doors, armed security and elaborate surveillance equipment.
ALE agents searched residences at 4029 Strickland Farm Road and 6909 Breckenridge Ave. in Raleigh and a cabin at 6424 Robertson Pond Road in Wendell.
In addition to the cash, agents seized poker and craps tables, computer and surveillance equipment, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and an AR-15 assault rifle.
The following people were charged with misdemeanor violations:
- Ryan Michael Lewis, 32, of 1442 Kent Road in Raleigh, was charged with operating a game of chance at which money was bet and allowing the operation of an illegal game of chance.
- Priestly Early Pierce, 75, of 3636 Kemp Drive in Knightdale, was charged with operating a game of chance at which money was bet and keeping and using a gaming table.
- Justin Carl Turner, 23, of 508 Heather Drive in Raleigh, Harold William Elliot, 72, of 6909 Breckenridge Ave. in Raleigh, and Sonny Pierce, 29, of 3636 Kemp Drive in Knightdale, were all charged with operating a game of chance at which money was bet.
- Eddie Lee Elks Jr., 56, of 602 Park Ave. in Roanoke Rapids, Donald Ray Daniels, 61, of 141 White Oak Road in Enfield, Leonard Wiggins, 73, of 823 Leggett Road in Rocky Mount, and Michael Lee Brown, 47, of 72 Shady Lake Road in Tarboro, were all charged with playing a game of chance at which money was bet.
- Sonja Kay Stone, 50, of 5609 Laniel Court in Raleigh, was charged with allowing the operation of an illegal game of chance and operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway with an open container of alcoholic beverage after drinking.
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