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Police say illegal gambling operation used sham charities

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

CLEVELAND -- Federal prosecutors have charged 18 people and six businesses accused of running an illegal gambling operation that placed slot machines in store fronts.

The defendants, most from the Akron area, created sham charities to make use of an exemption in state law that allows certain gambling operations for the benefit of approved charities, according to an indictment filed Tuesday by the Cleveland U.S. attorney's office.

The defendants took the profits from slot machines and instant bingo tickets for personal use, according to the indictment.

"We're basically saying that even if they are technically legal for a charity, they can't be run for a personal profit," assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bulford said.

Of those indicted, Chester Simons, 54, of Akron, and Instant Win Ltd. of Akron already face state charges of violating Ohio's gambling laws.

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