Illegal Poker Runner Arrested

November 13, 2008

Cyril Franklin “Franky” Thomas has been arrested on charges of running an illegal video poker operation. The Leland, North Carolina man was arrested for allegedly violating the North Carolina Gaming Laws, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.

Thomas was arrested by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit after three months of investigating him. It seems that Thomas was allegedly running an illegal video poker operation out of his home at 102 Riverview Drive. The extent to which the games were operated is not immediately known, but Thomas was attempting to sell the video poker games, which is what he was ultimately arrested for.

He was attempting to sell the video poker games for $10,000, both of which were operational. The games were however, located in a box truck that was on the property. Agents used surveillance for months to see what Thomas’ intent with the poker machines was, and used testimony from a cooperating witness as well.

Agents took the box truck during the raid, as well as the video poker machines and $20,000 cash from inside the home. Thomas was arrested and released at the scene for possession of video poker machines and possessing, storing, and attempting to sell video poker machines. The possession of a video poker machine is a misdemeanor offense in North Carolina.

As of December 1st, the Video Gaming Laws in NC are going to be changing again, and the Sheriff’s office is asking anyone with any information regarding illegal poker games please contact them.