(MEDINA, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine joined local and state authorities this morning to announce an investigation into two businesses allegedly operating as illegal casinos.
Attorney General DeWine, Ohio Casino Control Commission Director of Enforcement Karen Huey, Medina County Sheriff Tom Miller, Medina County Prosecutor Dean Holman, and Brunswick Police Chief Carl DeForest spoke about the investigation in Medina after authorities served multiple search warrants in connection with the case.
"These are not internet cafes," said Attorney General DeWine. "The joint investigation shows that these locations are operating as illegal casinos with no regulatory oversight."
Agents with the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted local law enforcement in serving search warrants at the following locations:
- Cyber City, 2696 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio
- Cyber 777's, 1733 Pearl Road, Brunswick, Ohio
Investigators removed dozens of cash-operated slot machines from both locations.
The owner of the businesses, Adam Syed, of Fairlawn, Ohio, was taken into custody. Authorities also served a search warrant at his home and at another business maintained by Syed in Akron, Ohio.
Syed is accused of violating the Ohio Casino Control Act. According to the statute, anyone running a casino gaming operation outside of the four voter-approved casinos violates the law and can be charged with a felony crime.
“The criminal code associated with the Ohio Casino Control Act is designed to ensure the integrity of casino gaming in our state,” said Karen Huey, OCCC Director of Enforcement. “Today’s raid sends a strong message that illegal gaming operations will be not be allowed.”
"The investigation has been a joint effort by the Attorney General's Office, The Brunswick Police Department and with assistance from Fairlawn and Akron Police Department and the Summit County Prosecutor's Office. We want to thank all the involved agencies for their work," said Medina County Sheriff Tom Miller and Medina County Prosecutor Dean Holman.
"We have a duty and responsibility to investigate any crime, big or small. We consider these allegations very serious," said Brunswick Police Chief Carl DeForest.
–30–
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840