Gambling bust—9 people arrested after running illegal machines in Crittenden County, sheriff says

CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark. (WMC) – Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department arrested nine people Wednesday evening at two businesses in Earle in regards to illegal gambling machines set up in businesses.

Deputies served search warrants at the businesses and seized 14 machines, $9,108.49 in cash, 2 guns, and marijuana.

The Investigation began months ago after the sheriff’s office received complaints over the illegal machines in operation at Steins Grocery and Market located on Arkansas Street in Earle, Arkansas.

Nine people were arrested during the bust:

Mohamed Ali Ismail, 41—Earle, Arkansas (listed as the owner of Steins and Manager at Valero)

Charles Townsend,44— Earle, Arkansas ( listed as a cook at Stein’s)

Ricky Hoard, 30—Earle, Arkansas (listed an employee at Stein’s)

Saad B Ghaled,18—Memphis, Tennessee (listed as cashier at Velaro)

Raidah Ladelle Smith, 28—Earle, Arkansas (listed as cashier at Valero)

The other four arrested were customers playing the machines at the businesses.

The investigation is ongoing and other arrests could be made.

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