CMPD announces hundreds of additional charges in statewide gambling crackdown
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Numerous agencies worked a statewide illegal fish arcade crackdown operation this week that totaled 800 charges, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police confirmed Friday.
The raids took place in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia, and Matthews.
On Wednesday, April 17, CMPD detectives executed search warrants at two locations related to illegal gambling in Charlotte: the 4800 block of Albemarle Road and the 5000 block of Providence Road. Detectives seized 117 gambling stations, approximately $18,000 in cash and two firearms. Two arrests were made that included Khalil Okasha, 50, on gambling warrants related to the investigation, and Antwan Webb, 38, for providing unlicensed armed security.
CMPD assisted officers and agents from North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Matthews Police Department, Gastonia Police Department, Gaston County Police Department, and the Ranlo Police Department.
Gastonia woman charged for operating illegal gambling operations
The agency said 888 Arcade Gastonia on 1375 Bessemer City Road, City Arcade at 9201 E. Independence in Matthews, and 2501 Wilmont Drive in Gastonia were among the raided locations. An arcade in Raleigh was also involved.
Law enforcement identified members of one Gastonia family in the warrants. Additional warrants have been issued for the following individuals however, they have not yet been served.
Nina Nashar of Gastonia, 29
Nicole Nashar of Gastonia, 27
Hani Nashar of Charlotte
Haissam Nashar of Gastonia, 57
Valarie Nashar of Gastonia, 54
Lillian Nashar of Gastonia, 22
Adam Nashar of Gastonia, 18
All face charges for illegal gambling, conducting and promoting a sweepstakes business, continuing criminal enterprise, and possession, storage, and operation of video gambling machines.
Two other men face charges from the investigation arrests. Bessemer City resident Ethan Phonphet, 21, faces charges of unauthorized possession of spiritous liquor, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and possession of Marijuana. Sanford resident Michael Johnson, 45, was arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of spiritous liquor.
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The investigation produced a total of 496 charges in Mecklenburg County and 304 charges in Gastonia.
“These fish arcades and other illegal gambling locations are havens for criminal activity,” CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said. “Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations. We are very thankful for our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to help us send a message that we will not tolerate these establishments preying on our citizens.”
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