Akron gambling ring busted by Ohio Investigative Unit, APD, others on Wednesday

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Akron District Office of the Ohio Investigative Unit, Akron police and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, executed seven search warrants Wednesday related to illegal gambling. The search warrants were the result of a seven-month-long investigation into illegal gambling parlors in Akron, according to a press release.

Five active gambling parlors and two liquor permit locations on East Tallmadge Avenue, Brittain Road and Arlington Street were identified over the course of the investigation. More than 150 machines, $93,188, two handguns and other documents were confiscated during these search warrant executions, according to officials.

Marijuana and other drugs were also found at one of the gambling parlors.

The owners and employees of Dollar Magic and Dragon Asian Grocery, the two liquor permit locations, were issued summonses to appear in Akron Municipal Court related to gambling and operating a gambling house charges. Each liquor permit location was also reportedly issued five citations for gambling-related violations.

Charges are still pending against the owners and employees of the five illegal gambling parlors.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ