Authorities seized 85 terminals from the business, Friday.
A Chillicothe business has been shut down after authorities seized its equipment to investigate allegations of illegal gambling. Authorities say they seized over 80 terminals from the Buckeye Internet Center at 908 East Main Street, Friday.
Chillicothe Mayor Jack Everson said that undercover investigators earlier found patrons were getting cash payouts for games of chance, which is not compliant with the Ohio Revised Code; this led to Friday's search warrant.
"Typically, these prey on people that don't have the money to be in there anyway, and it kind of just degenerates the community," he said.
Authorities say 8 people were in the establishment during the Friday raid.
57-year-old Juanita Willis, of Laurelville, and 52-year-old Normand Owings, of London, were both cited for operation of a gambling house. A press release from the Chillicothe Police Department stated the two had been arrested; however, that was incorrect.
Officer Bud Lytle said the actual owners of the equipment, whose names were not released, have not yet been charged; however, charges are possible pending the investigation.
In a separate case, authorities also raided an establishment on similar allegations earlier this week. According to Ross County Sheriff George Lavender, authorities seized 12 arcade-type machines that were used for "suspected gambling" at The Old Schoolhouse Restaurant at 27470 Old US 35.
No arrests were made, but an investigation continues.
