Illegal Gaston Gambling House Generated $4m in Profits

According to the documents, Calhoun and his partner opened their video poker den in 2012, then moved it last February into a large warehouse 'on a major thoroughfare' in Gaston County. There, the machines ran nonstop. Calhoun and his partner employed a staff of eight and ran more than 60 machines that directly took cash at one point." www.charlotteobserver.com;

Sixty machines were reportedly found at the warehouse, machines that gamblers were free to use as long as they desired. Guards at Mr. Lenny's met customers at the door and sent them to the waiting room to wait for their chance to play the video poker machines. The customers were offered food, drinks and TV, and once they were taken to a machine, they were able to play as long as they wanted.

Calhoun hid his half of the profits in PVC pipes, which he stashed on property he owns in both Carolinas. An unidentified partner took his share to South Carolina, where associates stored it for him, documents indicate. Charges are included in a 'bill of information,' which indicates that the case will not go before a grand jury and Calhoun likely has agreed to plead guilty. He is expected to appear in court next week." Kevin Zolot, Assistant U.S. Attorney, www.charlotteobserver.com;

Winners at the video poker machines would get a receipt from the machine and turned it in for cash before they left the premises.

If convicted, Calhoun faces up to 25 years in prison and hefty fines. Under the terms of the agreement, Calhoun will be required to give up all the properties involved in the violations and US currency in excess of $4m or property of the same value.

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