Seven illegal gambling machines found at liquor store in Norwalk

NORWALK, CT (WFSB) – Seven illegal gambling machines were found at a liquor store in Norwalk following a search by police Wednesday.

Police say that units searched Cocchia’s Liquor Store, located at 23 Ely Avenue, after they received information that a man named “Felix” was selling large quantities of powder cocaine from the store.

An investigation began, and it was found that “Felix,” identified as Felix Galindo-Castillo, had an active federal warrant for illegal reentry into the United States.

It was also discovered that he was the founder of a violent Mexican street gang called “Los Vagos.”

While searching the location, officers found seven full size illegal gambling machines, which were played at two different locations within the store. The devices pay out cash collected at the front counter by providing a receipt ticket from the device.

Several bags of powder cocaine, two facsimile handguns, $4,932 from the gambling machines and receipts, and inner control servers for each of the machines were seized by police.

Galindo-Castillo and a store employee, Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima, were arrested at the scene.

Galinda-Castillo is charged with sale of narcotics, conspiracy to commit sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics and conspiracy to commit possession of narcotics. He is also charged as a fugitive from justice for the federal warrant on illegal reentry of the United States.

Fuentes-Lima is charged with possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, illegal gambling, sale of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to commit sale of a narcotic substance.

This marks the second time in a year that arrests were made at the location for narcotics and gambling violations.

The location has also been the site of many police calls for services.

In September 2022, Norwalk officers and State Liquor Control Agents conducted an inspection of the premises, leading to the seizure of gambling machines, receipts, cash, and cocaine.

The Department of Consumer Protection signed a summary suspension of the package store permit and the lottery sales agent license for the location Friday.

“It is clear this establishment is a danger to public health and safety,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “In addition to this action today, our team will be investigating all other establishments associated with the ownership of Cocchia’s to ensure there is no further risk to the community. Thank you to the Norwalk Police Department for collaborating in this effort.”

An investigation by police is also ongoing.

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