CMPD: 800 charges filed in state-wide fish arcade investigation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – About 800 charges were filed in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties on Wednesday regarding a state-wide investigation into illegal fish arcades.

The investigation targeted locations in Charlotte, Gastonia, Matthews and Raleigh.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, illegal fish arcades are locations where customers are given cash payouts for credits won on gaming machines. They involve games of chance and promote sweepstakes through entertaining displays, all of which are against North Carolina law.

CMPD executed search warrants at two businesses related to illegal gambling: the 4800 block of Albemarle Road and 5000 block of Providence Road.

[READ ALSO: Rowan County Sheriff’s Office shuts down two gambling businesses]

Detectives took 117 gambling stations, two firearms, and about $18,000 in cash.

Khalil Okasha, 50, was arrested on gambling warrants related to the investigation and Antwan Webb, 38, for providing unlicensed armed security.

The four other locations that were targeted were:

• 888 Arcade Raleigh: 3407 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh
• 888 Arcade Gastonia: 1375 Bessemer City Road, Gastonia
• City Arcade: 9201 E. Independence Blvd,. Matthews
• 2501 Wilmont Drive, Gastonia

Seven people ranging in age from 18 to 57 are facing charges for illegal gambling, conducting and promoting a sweepstakes business, continuing criminal enterprise and possession, storage and operation of video gambling machines:

• Nina Nashar of Gastonia, 29
• Nicole Nashar of Gastonia, 27
• Hani Nashar of Charlotte
• Haissam Nashar of Gastonia, 57
• Valarie Nashar of Gastonia, 54
• Lillian Nashar of Gastonia, 22
• Adam Nashar of Gastonia, 18

Arrest warrants have not been served on them.

Additionally, 21-year-old Ethan Phonphet was arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of spiritous liquor, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Forty-five-year-old Michael Johnson of Sanford was also arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of spiritous liquor.

A total of 496 charges were filed in Mecklenburg County and 304 charges were filed in Gastonia.

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