JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sheriff T.K. Waters announced Wednesday the arrests of 12 people he said were involved with running illegal gambling operations around Jacksonville. Waters said the investigation - dubbed “Operation Fish & Chips” - began in March 2023 and concluded this month.
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Waters said the suspects arrested face charges including racketeering, money laundering, and illegal use of gaming equipment. Over the last 10 days, Waters said JSO’s SWAT unit executed search warrants at multiple locations around the city. Officers seized more than $2.5 million in cash, 15 vehicles worth over $1 million, two houses, one commercial building, and 52 firearms.
Waters said all of the seized property was purchased with proceeds from the illegal operation.
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Waters said the sites where the illegal gambling was taking place were locations for other Jacksonville crimes. Waters said two murders, eight robberies, and 26 aggravated assaults occurred during the past year.
Read: Illegal gambling operation suspects linked to 2013 Allied Veterans case
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