A Charlotte police operation aimed at suspected illegal gambling activity ended with several arrests, the seizure of more than 100 machines, and the recovery of cash and firearms.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said officers from its Alcohol Beverage Control Unit, working alongside the SWAT team, served a search warrant at 999 Arcade in the 6400 block of East Independence Boulevard. Investigators said the action was tied to an ongoing case involving alleged illegal gambling at the business.
According to police, officers confiscated 102 illegal gambling stations during the search. Investigators also recovered $37,983 in cash and two firearms.
Four people were arrested or charged as a result of the operation, while another individual received a citation.
Charlotte police investigation remains ongoing after gambling raid
Police said Jianwang Zhu, 40, was arrested and charged with three felony gambling offenses and six misdemeanor gambling offenses. Haiong Zhang, 54, and Xiong Yang, 43, were each charged with four felony gambling offenses and nine misdemeanor gambling offenses.
Authorities also arrested Aaron Johnson, 34. Police said he faces four felony gambling offenses and nine misdemeanor gambling offenses. In addition, Johnson was charged with one misdemeanor count of providing unlicensed armed security.
Jose Garcia, 33, was issued a citation for a misdemeanor gambling offense, according to investigators.
CMPD said the case remains active and is part of a broader effort by the ABC Unit to investigate locations authorities believe are facilitating illegal activity. The department said officers continue to focus on businesses suspected of operating outside state law and on activities officials believe can contribute to wider public safety concerns.
The agency said those enforcement efforts involve cooperation with local and federal partners. Police stated that investigators are working to identify individuals involved in unlawful gambling operations and to shut down businesses found to be operating illegally.
The latest raid follows other gambling-related enforcement actions reported in the Charlotte area and elsewhere in North Carolina. Recent cases highlighted by our previous reporting involved alleged illegal gambling machines, ABC violations, and investigations into suspected gambling operations that drew the attention of law enforcement agencies. Authorities have repeatedly said such cases remain a priority as officers continue targeting businesses suspected of violating state gambling laws.
CMPD encouraged anyone with information about illegal gambling activity to contact the department’s ABC Unit or Crime Stoppers.
Police did not release additional details about the current investigation, including how long it had been underway or whether more arrests or charges could follow. Officials said anyone seeking more information should reference the report number associated with the case.
Investigators said officers are still reviewing evidence collected during the search as the inquiry continues.
Featured image: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook
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