Murphy – Surprise, surprise, surprise.
Deputies raided a video gaming business, also called arcades or sweepstakes, on U.S. 64 West and seized the motherboards from inside nearly a dozen machines. The raid followed a second undercover operation that revealed the business had continued to pay out cash to patrons despite a warning to shut down last month.
“They actually had a ledger showing the money they paid out over the weekend,” Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer said after officers searched the facility.
Deputies descended on a gaming facility marketed as American Pride Sweepstakes around 5:30 p.m. Monday and found a half-dozen people inside the business. Although the purpose of the raid was to shut down the facility for illegal gambling, the warrant granted police authority to search patrons inside the building.
When officers entered the property, a male customer ran into a closet, a female manager rushed upstairs to lock a door and a female patron immediately protested the police presence.
“The first thing out of her mouth was, ‘I don’t give consent to search my pocketbook,’ ” Palmer said.
The declaration raised a red flag, and deputies found methamphetamine in the woman’s purse. Additionally, police found heroin in the closet occupied by the fleeing patron. They also discovered meth, pot, pills and digital scales in the upstairs room, which the manager used as personal space.
“This place has been a thorn in our side,” Palmer said.
Last month, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office issued letters to the owners of 12 different sweepstakes businesses, informing them to close or face criminal charges. The ultimatum fell on the heels of a N.C. Supreme Court decision that closed loopholes the businesses had been using to stay open. But before issuing the shutdown notices, local deputies conducted undercover operations that revealed 11 of the businesses were paying out cash like a typical casino.
Regardless of the cash payouts, which reportedly continued at American Pride Sweepstakes, authorities say these types of video gaming businesses are illegal. The various gaming facilities in Cherokee County were marketed as “sweepstakes” or “adult arcades'' and contained slot machines that allowed patrons to win merchandise or points that could then be traded or redeemed for cash.
The gaming facilities, some of which operated around the clock, drew a clientele that had little respect for other businesses in the area.
“Probably 90 percent of our citizens could care less whether they’re gambling in here,” Palmer said. “The issue is the needles in the parking lot, open-air drug deals and homeless people breaking into businesses.
“Everybody is sick and tired of this other stuff that comes with these gaming facilities. Some of these places try to run a clean business, but this is the type of clientele they attract.”
Police anticipate additional raids in the coming days, as at least two other gaming facilities in Murphy began illuminating “open” signs Monday. Officials are also investigating reports of gaming facilities that have an online presence and allow patrons to continue gambling even though the business has shut its doors.
Business owners who continue to operate video gaming machines in the county could face a misdemeanor charge for the first offense, with subsequent offenses resulting in felony charges. The managers of the businesses could spend time behind bars as well.
“The statute says you can charge the owner and the manager,” Palmer said.
As of the Cherokee Scout’s press time Tuesday, the three people arrested Monday are only charged with drug offenses. Tammy Lee Gallarher, 49, was charged with meth possession after police found some in her purse; Bradley Wayne Lackey, 46, was charged with heroin and meth possession after police found dope in a closet he occupied; and Cristin Elise Stinchcomb, 40, was charged with several offenses after police found drugs in a trashed room that she reportedly used as sleeping quarters.
Officials say Stinchcomb may be charged with a gambling offense at a later date since she managed the American Pride Sweepstakes prior to the raid. Authorities will determine whether she and the business owner should be charged after examining the evidence seized Monday and speaking with prosecutors.
While police fight to keep these types of facilities closed, local elected officials hope to enact a law that may deter business owners from operating gaming machines within city limits in the future. The Murphy Town Council passed a resolution last week seeking to amend the zoning ordinance and require business owners to obtain a special use permit to operate gaming machines.
Among other things, the amended ordinance would require these kind of video gaming business owners to have at least $1 million of liability insurance, plus obtain a letter from the District Attorney’s Office certifying that the business complies with state law. A public hearing on the proposed amendments is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 4.