AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff's Office said 28 suspects were arrested and 48 illegal gambling machines were confiscated during an undercover gambling operation.
PCSO said both deputies and officers from the Auburndale Police Department were at the scene of an undercover illegal gambling bust on Wednesday. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said they have worked with the Auburndale PD to raid 12 stores with alleged illegal gambling equipment.
The investigation began with a tip regarding gambling machines at A-1 Discount Beverage and Discount & Deli. PCSO said undercover detectives went to both places and found the machines in the back rooms. The detectives placed bets and won money. The money was given to them by store clerks.
Video posted on social media shows illegal gambling machines being loaded up after an alleged raid in Auburndale. PCSO posted a video to Facebook of gambling equipment being removed from a Discount & Deli, located at 602 Pilaklakaha Avenue.
WATCH: Auburndale gambling house raided, 10 others targeted: Polk County Sheriff
During the investigation, 12 stores received a search warrant, 28 people were arrested, 48 gambling machines were confiscated, two drink coolers and two firearms were confiscated, and over $100,000 was seized.
The 12 stores involved are listed below:
- A-1 Discount Beverage
- Discount & Deli
- Chevron gas station
- Citgo
- Holy Land
- 7 Star Deli and Lotto
- Placita Mexico
- Tienda Guatemala
New mental health programs making an impact in Florida
Florida Behavioral Health Association's Scott Burgess shared with Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Wendy Ryan the successes of new initiatives being tested across Florida.
