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Two arrested in gambling sting
One sought after investigation of East Main Street business
Crime Statesboro logo
A two-month investigation by Statesboro police led to the arrest of two on gambling charges and the seizure of seven old-style commercial gambling machines.Public Safety Director Wendell Turner said the police Crime Suppression Unit has been investigating East Main Street Office Supply, in the East Main Street Connections shopping center, since March.Advanced Patrol Officer Kyle Briley opened the investigation, and after collecting evidence that the store was actually a front for the illegal gambling operation, partnered with the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and issued a search warrant.As a result of their findings, officers arrested Mayla Bhatt, 40, of Decatur; and Eddie Lane, 43, of Brook Run Drive in Register. They were both charged with commercial gambling, keeping a gambling place and unlawful ownership of a gambling device.Police are still seeking a Christa Dyann Skipper, 24, who is “known to frequent the East Main Street/Gordon Street” area, Turner said.She is charged with commercial gambling, keeping a gambling place, and unlawful ownership of a gambling device as well, he said.Officers seized seven “old style, large, Las Vegas electronic” gambling machines, as well as an undetermined amount of cash, Turner said.Anyone with information is asked to contact Briley at (912) 764-9911.Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.
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