SPRING HILL, Fla. – Three men were arrested during the exaction of a search warrant in Spring Hill.
According to Deputies, on Friday at 12:11 a.m., the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at Sweeps located at 3069 Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill.
The business was determined to be an illegal gambling “game room.”
The Sheriff’s Office has been working for months to educate the owners and operators of these establishments to work within the Florida State Statute (law).
An investigation revealed Sweeps was operating in violation of Florida State Statute, and detectives also noted narcotics activity in and around the business.
Upon execution of the search warrant, two employees, Thomas Deruedas and Johnny Mendez were each charged with Keeping a Gambling House, Florida State Statute 849.01 and Possession of a Slot Machine.
They were transported to the Hernando County Detention Center where their bonds were set at $2,000 each.
Additionally, one person was arrested on various drug charges.
Charles Townsend was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband into a Detention Center, and Possession of Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $6,000.
During the execution of the search warrant, detectives seized $19,187 in cash and various gambling machines.
More than a dozen patrons were observed on scene and actively gambling. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office educated the patrons explaining that they too can be charged with a crime for participating in these game rooms. The patrons were issued warnings and released on scene.
“Businesses were provided a “cease and desist” letter advising them they are operating illegally, allowing the owners to adjust their operations to comply with Florida Statute. While these types of establishments are considered enjoyment by some citizens, they also attract a criminal element to the area. Drug use and sales, weapons disturbances, fights, and robberies are known to occur at these types of establishments,” said Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in a statement.
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Wow what a waste of tax payer money! Using a narcotics team to bust someone for a petty marijuana charge and an over priced bond because they were running a video game and people can win money on it.. The only crime i see here is officers stealing 19k from these innocent people. This has to stop. Go focus on real crime that actually effects the community. All your doing is harrasing people in the community .. Chumps.