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Eleven people cited, five businesses raided as Pueblo PD investigates illegal gambling

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Eleven people cited, five businesses raided as Pueblo PD investigates illegal gambling

Pueblo police recently executed five search warrants on local businesses as part of a city-wide crackdown on illegal gambling.

According to a Pueblo Police Department news release, officers seized approximately $20,000 in cash as evidence along with 62 illegal gambling machines.

“It really comes down to two things,” Sgt. Frank Ortega, a Pueblo PD spokesman, told the Chieftain. “We obviously have to deal with serious crimes — shootings, homicides, and other violent crime — but we also have to deal with other things at the same time. Quality of life (issues) and crime was evident in those spots. By closing them down we reduced crime and increased quality of life in the area.”

During the operation, 11 people were cited on suspicion of crimes such as engaging in gambling, possession of a gambling device, gambling premises, and electronic gambling.

The businesses searched as part of the investigation included 320 West Northern Ave., 1103 North Elizabeth St., 1722 South Prairie Ave., and 303 East Northern Ave. Most of the businesses appear to be convenience stores, arcades, or restaurants.

The businesses were not shut down by police as a result of the investigation and while it will be up to the owners whether their businesses remain open, Ortega stated if more illegal gambling takes place at any of the establishments, police will search them again.

Police officials said in the release that many of the machines seized “replicate those commonly used in towns where gambling is legalized in Colorado, which are Cripple Creek, Black Hawk, and Central City.”

The search warrants followed an ordinance passed by Pueblo City Council in May that made the operation of illegal gambling establishments a municipal violation that can be charged in municipal court. City council passed the ordinance on May 14 and it was subsequently signed into law by Mayor Heather Graham.

More Pueblo crime news: Pueblo police: Beware phone scam where caller claims ‘cartel’ kidnapped your loved one

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formally known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain atsubscribe.chieftain.com.

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