Attorney General Bailey files suit to shut down illegal casino in Dunklin County

KENNETT, Mo. (KFVS) – A Dunklin County woman faces 16 felony counts and a lawsuit filed by the Missouri Attorney General after she’s accused of operating an illegal casino.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed suit against T.J. Entertainment, an illegal casino operating in Kennett, for acting as a public nuisance to Missourians. There’s currently a warrant out for the arrest of 49-year-old Traci Leigh Rogers of Kennett, operator of T.J. Entertainment. Rogers is accused of operating slot machines at the business.

On April 19, Dunklin County Prosecutor Nicholas Jain charged Rogers with 16 counts of the class E felony of promoting gambling in the first degree. Jain says that law enforcement will continue to investigate, and he will prosecute illegal casinos to protect the community from illegal gambling and the harms that come along with it.

Jain cautions that the charges in the complaint are merely allegations until proved at trial and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

General Bailey is asking a judge to close the business and order Rogers to pay a $1,000 fine per violation plus court costs.

In the lawsuit, General Bailey says, “T.J. Entertainment is an illegal gaming house that has continually subjected the public to numerous harms. In recent months, this illegal casino, which is surrounded by businesses, has been the site of two separate armed robberies, several weapons crimes and an assault. At least some of these crimes were committed by armed offenders with histories of criminal activity. In all instances, the armed criminals fled the scene of their crimes placing the public at additional risk of harm. T.J. Entertainment’s sole function is to provide devices and a location for unlawful gambling activity.”

Under state law, General Bailey is tasked with the authority to enforce public nuisance law, which states that any entity that disrupts the general public’s right to safety and peace is unlawful and can be shut down.

General Bailey filed a motion for preliminary injunction, asking the court to close the casino during the duration of the litigation. He is also seeking civil penalties.

“I appreciate the local law enforcement who have worked with my office on this issue,” said Bailey. “Together, we are moving in the right direction for all Missourians in the area as we take action to keep our communities safe.”

The owner of the building located on the premises, Charles Long, has also been identified as a defendant in the civil lawsuit.

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