Illegal gambling house raided

Nine arrests made as authorities recover cash, guns, drugs

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

In a major operation conducted by the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Of_ce, nine individuals have been arrested in connection to illegal gambling activities at Stein’s Grocery and Market and Valero Service Station in Earle, Arkansas. The raid, which took place on Wednesday, May 15th, was the result of a months-long investigation following a tip about illegal gambling machines operating at the two businesses.

The sheriff’s of_ce said they had been investigating the operation in Earle for months after getting a tip of illegal gambling machines. Deputies _nally raided both businesses around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15.

During the raid, deputies discovered a total of 14 gambling machines, just over $9,000 in cash, two _rearms, and marijuana on the premises of both stores. Among those arrested were Mohamed Ali Ismail, owner of Stein’s Grocery and Market and manager of Valero, who was charged with keeping a gambling house – a Class D felony. Additionally, Charles Townsend, a cook at Stein’s, was arrested and

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During the raid, deputies discovered a total of 14 gambling machines, just over $9,000 in cash, two firearms, and marijuana on the premises of both stores.

Photo by CCSD RAID

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charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana. Ricky Howard, a cashier at Stein’s, was charged with possession of a firearm by a certain person with a previous conviction for domestic battery.

The other individuals arrested during the bust include Saad B. Ghaled, listed as a cashier at Valero, Raidah Ladelle Smith, cashier at Valero, as well as Ruthie Oliver, Raiah Ladelle Smith, Lisa Brooks, Daryl McKenzie, and Annie Henderson – all connected to the use of the gambling devices. According to authorities, the investigation is still ongoing, and further arrests could be made in the coming days.