Police in Burlington have raided two businesses that they suspect have operated as sweepstakes cafes in violation of state anti-gambling laws.
According to the city’s police department, officers conducted these two unannounced searches on Thursday at 717 Rauhut Street and 1524 North Church Street.
In both cases, they seized electronic equipment and cash that they believe had supported online games of chance that are prohibited under state statute and subsequent court rulings.
The police department reports that it has an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal activity at 1524 North Church Street.
In the meantime, officers have filed criminal charges against Harsh Pankajkumar Desai, the manager of Discount Tobacco & Vape at 717 Rauhut Street.
According to the police department, Desai faces a misdemeanor for his alleged oversight of an electronic sweepstakes venue as well as a felony-level offense for having five or more electronic gaming machines in operation.
A 35-year-old male of 507 Hasselwood Drive in Jamestown, Desai is also accused of marijuana possession with the intent to sell or distribute the drug following the discovery of a pound of cannabis during the raid on his business.
Desai has been released on a $20,000 bond since his arrest.
The Burlington Police Department is seeking anyone with additional information about illegal gambling locations to please contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. For anonymous methods, call Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.
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