WCSO Shuts Down Gambling Operation Inside Miramar Beach Cigar Store

[El Presidente]

So...who of you were involved

Shocking. Imagine..gambling in the back room of a cigar store.

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WCSO Shuts Down Gambling Operation Inside Miramar Beach Cigar Store

Walton County, Fla:

Three Walton County men face criminal charges after a raid on an illegal gambling operation. Sheriff’s deputies made their move Wednesday night, ending an undercover operation that lasted nearly two months.

Havana Dreams Cigar Lounge at 10859 U.S. Highway 98 in Miramar Beach boasts the largest selection of premium cigars in the Florida Panhandle, but it’s what allegedly took place on Wednesday nights that drew the attention of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). Authorities allege that a select group of individuals – organized as a “cigar club” – met in a back room of the store to play craps.

“We can confirm for at least a month individuals would travel to this establishment and participate in games involving money and chance, such as card games and dice games,” said Michael Morrison, WCSO Public Information Officer.

Charged in the case are 68-year-old Vincent Authement, 44-year-old Jay Patel and Joshua McLean, 28. Authement and Patel are accused of keeping a gambling house – a third degree felony – and selling alcohol without a license. All three men face misdemeanor gambling charges and authorities anticipate more arrests in the case.

“During this illegal operation, there could be up to a dozen people present, but the number of people participating in the gambling varied,” said Morrison.

Deputies seized gambling paraphernalia, gaming ledgers, alcoholic beverages and more than $6,000 in cash. “Playing games for money, involving chance, is generally illegal in the state of Florida although certain exceptions do exist,” said Morrison.

Exceptions include licensed gaming parlors, bingo halls and other state-regulated businesses.

According to Panama City attorney Larry Perry, friendly wagering is generally acceptable. “As long as it does not constitute a business enterprise, it’s usually okay,” he said.

[cigcars]

*Ge-e-e-e-e I hope Jay Patel isn't related to ROCKY Patel!!!

[BlueClaw]

gimme a break.. leave them alone.. it's not like they are out and about looting and beating up people..

i like the quote “Playing games for money, involving chance, is generally illegal in the state of Florida although certain exceptions do exist,” said Morrison.

i wonder what they mean by exceptions.. like paying off the cops !!! ya think..

[Guest Elektrobot]

Makes my hometown shop sound like a church-

How does the gov find out about a 12 person game and beer in a cooler?

[BlueClaw]

sounds like an inside tip off to me.. and i just bet that 6k they boosted will line their pockets quite nicely..

[investandprosper]

What a joke. They spent two months building a sting to bust a local craps/card game among friends? Seriously.

[ColKurtz]

Well, look on the bright side. It appears that all the other problems such as homelessness and child hunger have been solved. Must be the case if they have the time to chase down violations such as this.

[Jesuscookies]

Oh the horror!

Our city officals are such bafoons. I wish for a day these boneheads were more interested in fighting real crime that truly affects our communities, instead of writing revenue generating tickets, and busting people for frivolous crimes.

What a waste of community resources... Idiots

[CDNeh]

Most likely the Chief of Police or a deputy lost some money in the game on a previous occasion.

[CanuckSARTech]

Most likely the Chief of Police or a deputy lost some money in the game on a previous occasion.