Long Island Store Found With Gambling Machines: Police

PATCHOGUE, NY — The owner of a Patchogue business was arrested Saturday in connection with having illegal gambling machines on the premises, among other violations, Suffolk police said.

The arrest took place during an investigation by 5th Precinct Crime Section officers, along with officers from the Community Support Unit, Anti-Crime, State Liquor Authority, and Patchogue Village Code Enforcement, which was prompted by community complaints, according to police.

At around 11:45 p.m., Taqueria Hidalgo, which is also known as 123 Food Market, on Route 112 was found not to be in compliance with multiple penal and state liquor laws, and three electronic gambling machines and flavored tobacco products listed for sale were confiscated, police said.

The SLA and village code enforcement issued multiple citations for violations observed, according to police.

The owner/manager of the business, a 56-year-old man from Bay Shore, was arrested and charged with second-degree promoting gambling, possession of gambling devices, and second-degree criminal nuisance, all misdemeanors. He was additionally charged with on-premises gambling and beer consumption off-premise, both violations.

He was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District
Court in Central Islip at a later date.