Alabama Attorney General moves to shut down 5 Selma gambling halls

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has obtained temporary restraining orders against five illegal gambling facilities in Selma.

Marshall’s office on Friday filed for the TROs against Joker 777 on East Highland Avenue, Mini Bingo on Dallas Avenue, which is the former Big Star Groceries building, Selma Charity Bingo on Highway 14 East, Selma Bingo on Hickory Road and Lucky Duck on Highway 80 West.

Dallas County Circuit Judge Don McMillan granted the AG’s request on Monday.

With the restraining orders in place, according to Marshall, the facilities must cease all operations and there can be no further financial transactions connected with the facility or those operating the facility until further orders from the Circuit Court of Dallas County.

Marshall also sought and executed six search warrants at each of these gambling facilities as part of the ongoing criminal investigation.

One of the search warrants was carried out at an address on Lewis Street.

Court documents allege the facilities contain slot machines, gambling devices and illegal gambling. Records show authorities located 24 slot machines at Mini Bingo.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office assisted Marshall with the investigation.

Marshall said the law is clear – gambling in Alabama is illegal.

“These facilities are operating with complete disregard to Alabama law,’’ Marshall said in a press release. “I applaud Dallas County Sheriff (Mike) Granthum’s dedication to combat this blight, and willingness to invite our team to assist in addressing these criminal enterprises.”