Gambling Machines Found

Undercover agents were at the Golden Cue following drug activity at the billiard hall a couple of weeks ago. A secret back door was open and that's when they found all nine of these machines. Police say the machines are slot machines, cherry masters and match-up games, all of which are illegal according to the Georgia code of law. Police say even if the machines are simply sitting in your business, it's illegal. But, finding these machines isn't the only thing that could put this billiard hall in jeopardy...That's because when illegal activity like this happens, places with alcohol licenses are in jeopardy of losing those licenses. Captain J.D. Hawk of the Columbus Police Department says the department has been warning the public about these illegal machines for the last 2 years. The owner, 26-year old Nicholas Parker is charged with commercial gambling and possession of gambling devices. Two other employees, 49-year old Dennis Meeks and 65-year old Bill Lee are charged with maintaining a place of gambling. News Leader Nine is told the owner could face up to a year in jail. -By Ashley Nix anix@wtvm.com