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August 12, 2009

WPD make illegal gambling arrest

By Adam Sulfridge / Staff Writer

Around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Williamsburg Police Department executed a search warrant at “The Blue Store,” located at 16319 Ky. 92E, which is in the Siler community.

Due to complaints of illegal gambling at the location, Det. Bobby Freeman opened an investigation, and using a cooperating source, police were able to confirm that individuals at the location were ‘paying out’ to winners. Public Affairs Officer Shawn Jackson noted that the cooperating source received payment after winning on a machine.

Arrested at the location was 28-year-old Bryden Benjamin Robert. He was charged with promoting gambling in the second-degree, second-degree possession of gambling records, and 10 counts of possession of a gambling device. Robert was in possession of money, some of which could be traced back to exchanges which took place between the cooperating source and those at the location.

Police seized seven machines and an undisclosed about of money.

Chief Wayne Bird indicated that the subject stated he was under the impression that the gambling devices were legal. Robert allegedly told officers he believed it was legal because of a recent law passed by Governor Beshear.

Det. Freeman said that other charges are pending in connection to this investigation, including possible charges against the property owner, Scott Harris.

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