Store owner accused of operating illegal gambling machines, police say

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis Police Department had arrested and charged a man accused of operating illegal gambling machines.

According to MPD, officers executed a search warrant at the Smile Mart on Waring Road.

Prior to the search, undercover detectives played on gambling machines in the store, won money, and went to the cashier to cash their earnings.

The suspect and store owner, Habtamu Mogas, 50, was working as the cashier during the time of the search warrant.

Per the affidavit, officers found six electronic gambling machines, all plugged in and working.

Mogas also operated gambling cash-out vouchers behind the register.

Upon further investigation, Mogas was taken into custody and is now facing charges for gambling promotion and possession of gambling devices,

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