Five arrested in illegal gambling operations in Bradley County

Bradley County (KATV) — Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced the arrest of five people in Bradley County on charges related to illegal gambling.

“Agents in my Special Investigations Division worked with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren Police Department in a joint investigation of multiple illegal gambling operations in and near the city of Warren. The investigation led to the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation of nearly $40,000 in illegal funds.” Said Griffin.

“I have long said that my office serves as a resource for law enforcement agencies across Arkansas, so I am proud to see my Special Investigations team help shut down these operations and bring these criminals to justice. I appreciate Bradley County Sheriff Herschel Tillman and Warren Police Chief Shaun Hildreth for inviting us to be part of this investigation, and I congratulate them on their good work.” he continued.

A months-long investigation led to probable cause that illegal gambling was taking place inside Que Lindo Michoacan in Warren and Spanky’s in Bradley County.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, Warren Police Department, Office of the Attorney General, Arkansas State Police, and the 10th Judicial; Drug Task Force issued warrants in both of these locations.

Pablo Ceja, 32, was arrested at Que Lindo on charges of Keeping a Gambling House, a Class D felony, and Gaming Devices-Prohibition, an unclassified misdemeanor.

Electronic gambling machines and $15,000 were also seized by authorities.

Kaysie Miskell, 44, of Pine Bluff, Sandra Huntlley, 41, of Kingsland, and Shony Penister, 36, of Warren were all arrested at Spanky’s and charged with one count of Keeping a Gambling house

Keith Gibbs, 39, of Warren, was also arrested, but charged with Gaming Devices-Betting, a violation classified as neither a felony nor a misdemeanor.

Spanky’s also had $21,150 and 41 electronic gambling machines seized and confiscated by authorities.