Winston County man sentenced to prison for video gambling machines

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 8:53 a.m.

Ricky Marshall Aderholt, 45, of Double Springs could have been sentenced to serve 14 months. But prosecutors recommended a reduced penalty because he helped in the investigation.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn told Aderholt he was getting a break.

"I hope you justify this sentence by staying out of trouble for the rest of your life," she said.

Blackburn also sentenced Pamela Baker, 41, to three years of probation with six months of home detention for her role in the illegal video gambling business.

Charges are pending against the alleged ring leader, Arthur Harold Martin, 53, of Jasper, along with his wife and son. Federal prosecutors sought to confiscate nearly $730,000 in assets from Martin.

Prosecutors said the five operated electronic video-gambling machines in businesses throughout Walker, Cullman, Marion, Morgan and Winston counties. The machines were in restaurants, bars, stores, gas stations, truck stops, bowling alleys and pool halls.