(MARYSVILLE, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton, and Marysville Police Chief Floyd Golden announced today a multi-jurisdictional internet café investigation spanning several Ohio counties.
Investigators served search warrants today at the following locations:
- Marysville Internet Café, 302 East 5th Street, Marysville
- Middletown Sweepstakes Café, 421 South Breiel Boulevard, Middletown
- Kenton Internet Café, 977 East Columbus Street, Kenton
- Belle Phone Internet Café, 1850 South Main Street, Bellefontaine
- Sidney Internet Café, 1524 Michigan Street, Sidney
"We are still in the beginning stages of what we expect to be a very lengthy investigation," said Attorney General DeWine. "While it is too early in the investigation to go into specifics, we do believe the alleged criminal activity at these locations goes beyond illegal gambling."
The investigation began in Marysville last year.
"The activity at these sweepstakes or internet cafe’s has been a concern for some time," said Chief Golden. "Our investigation began with one local internet cafe and a skill game establishment, but then grew as it became obvious this same activity was occurring at multiple businesses across several jurisdictions."
“We need to protect our senior citizens in Union and the other affected counties from establishments that entice them to participate in alleged illegal gambling,” said Sheriff Jamie Patton.
No arrests were planned as a result of today's search warrants, however charges could be filed in the future.
In addition to investigators with the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Union County Sheriff's Office and the Marysville Police Department, authorities with the following agencies are also assisting with the case: Union County Prosecutor's Office, Bellefontaine Police Department, Butler County Sheriff's Office, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Hardin County Sheriff's Office, Kenton Police Department, Logan County Sheriff's Office, Middletown Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Sidney Police Department.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840