Pike County authorities give update after gambling raid in Brundidge

Authorities in Pike County have provided an update following a raid at a Marathon gas station in Brundidge for housing an alleged gambling operation. 

On Sept. 19 police and the Pike County District Attorney’s Office carried out a search warrant on the station located at the 7000 block of Highway 231 where evidence of an illegal gaming operation was reportedly recovered. 

These include scratch-off style lottery tickets, electronic gambling games, and coin pusher style machines. 

"I'm proud of the efforts of the Pike County Sheriff's Office in shutting this operation down," said DA James Tarbox in a statement. "Let me be clear, it is against the law to promote gambling and to participate in gambling activities in Alabama. This is unregulated gambling, and in my experience these types of unregulated gambling activities lead to other illegal activities conducted by people with nefarious intentions." 

Police reportedly seized more than scratch-off style lottery tickets, one electronic gambling hub device, two coin pusher style machines, more than $25,000 in U.S. currency and "various other gambling related items and paraphernalia."

"I am very proud of the job performance and the time and energy that went into this case, to stop illegal gambling at this location," said Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas. "With this type of illegal activity and the large number of people who play these games, other crimes are also associated with illegal gambling. I want to personally thank [DA Tarbox] for his assistance in this case and always being just a phone call away." 

The investigation is ongoing.