Three arrested in MBI investigation into slot machines in bars

Three arrested in MBI investigation into slot machines in bars
By Gary Taylor, Orlando Sentinel

Three people were arrested this morning after a series of raids by the Organized Crime section of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation.

Assisted by deputy sheriffs from Seminole and Volusia counties, the Seminole City County Investigative Bureau and the Volusia Bureau of Investigation, agents served seven search warrants as part of an investigation into racketeering, illegal slot machines and illegal financial transactions.

The MBI said slot machines were placed in small bars and drinking establishments in several Central Florida counties, falsely operated as a promotional sweepstakes. The video slot machines accepted cash and awarded winning points to users based on spinning reels and matching symbols, similar to clot machines in casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the MBI said.

Some of the machines offered poker-style, Keno-style and lottery games.

Winners were paid in cash by bartenders from money kept in the business.

The MBI said it arrested Vernon Dale Hitchner, 48, Ryan Alles, 38, and Francisco "Frank" Ruperto, 57, on charges of racketeering, engaging in unlawful financial transactions with the intent to promote gambling, unlawful transportation of U.S. currency and illegal operation or placement of slot machines.

Hitchner was arrested in Volusia County, Alles in Seminole County and Ruperto in Orange County.

The MBI said search warrants were served at five Orange County bars: Frank's Place, Jalopy Joe's, George's Hideaway, Belle Isle Yacht Club and Kirbside Pub.

A search warrant also was executed at Ante Up Entertainment Inc., the business that distributes the machines.