BRUNDIDGE, Ala. (WDNews) — The Pike County Sheriff’s Office seized more than $25,000 in cash, gambling machines, and lottery tickets during a raid at a Brundidge gas station last week.
Sheriff Russell Thomas said deputies executed a search warrant September 19 at the Marathon station on U.S. Highway 231 after an investigation into illegal gambling. The warrant was carried out with help from Sheriff’s Office investigators, patrol deputies, the Brundidge Police Department and District Attorney James Tarbox.
Inside the store, investigators found scratch-off style lottery tickets, coin pusher machines, an electronic gambling device, and other gambling items. Officers reported the barn-style machines were tied to a downloadable app that allowed customers to collect winnings.
Sheriff Thomas said more than $25,000 in U.S. currency, over 30 rolls of scratch-off tickets, and other gambling devices were seized.
District Attorney Tarbox praised the effort.
“I’m proud of the efforts of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office in shutting down this illegal gambling operation,” Tarbox said. “This type of activity undermines the integrity of our state and puts legitimate businesses at a disadvantage.”
“I want to thank my investigators, deputies, and officers for the time and energy that went into this case,” Sheriff Thomas added. “We are committed to protecting the citizens of Pike County from illegal gambling and ensuring that our communities remain safe and free from criminal enterprises.”
Officials say the investigation is ongoing. The Pike County District Attorney’s Office will handle the civil forfeiture case.
