Case Remains Open

11/03/2008		Case Remains Open
Home History Games News Dictionary		July of 2007 marked a change for the state of North Carolina and its relationship to video gambling machines, featuring games such as poker and slots. Whereas previously, there were legal and permitted in restaurants and bars, July rendered them illegal to have outside of state-sanctioned casinos. The sudden change has resulted in a number of cases where the new law was dismissed by citizens and proprietors, and violations overlooked by local authorities. One of the more public of the events has been taking place in Buncombe County, where the Sheriff Bobby Medford and four of his officers have been standing trial for permitting illegal gambling to continue, as well as accepting bribes for turning a blind eye. With convictions and sentences having been completed, it was thought by most, the case would be closed. New developments, however, will keep the case open, and seem to indicate that more charges will be brought against additional persons. Richard Edwards, Assistant District Attorney for the area, was quoted as saying, “There is at least one party I anticipate an indictment coming down on.” It has been implied that the next arrest will be another sheriff. It is unknown who the newest suspects might be, as the case is to remain open. The state’s authorities have dedicated themselves to eliminating ‘personal arrangements’ that might be made between bars, stores, and even gas stations that might still be running the now illegal video poker machines.

11/03/2008

Case Remains Open

July of 2007 marked a change for the state of North Carolina and its relationship to video gambling machines, featuring games such as poker and slots. Whereas previously, there were legal and permitted in restaurants and bars, July rendered them illegal to have outside of state-sanctioned casinos. The sudden change has resulted in a number of cases where the new law was dismissed by citizens and proprietors, and violations overlooked by local authorities.

One of the more public of the events has been taking place in Buncombe County, where the Sheriff Bobby Medford and four of his officers have been standing trial for permitting illegal gambling to continue, as well as accepting bribes for turning a blind eye. With convictions and sentences having been completed, it was thought by most, the case would be closed. New developments, however, will keep the case open, and seem to indicate that more charges will be brought against additional persons.

Richard Edwards, Assistant District Attorney for the area, was quoted as saying, “There is at least one party I anticipate an indictment coming down on.” It has been implied that the next arrest will be another sheriff. It is unknown who the newest suspects might be, as the case is to remain open. The state’s authorities have dedicated themselves to eliminating ‘personal arrangements’ that might be made between bars, stores, and even gas stations that might still be running the now illegal video poker machines.