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The Trenton Police Department has released a press release disclosing the details of a months-long investigation into illegal gambling in the city. The investigation concluded with one arrest, multiple summonses, and the seizure of money, slot machines, and other items.
For 11 months, detectives from the Trenton Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Alcohol and Beverage Control Unit, and the New Jersey State Police Financial Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into illegal gambling operations at multiple locations throughout the city. The investigation concluded on October 5 when the authorities executed multiple search warrants at various locations across the city. The machines were scattered across more than 30 local business establishments, including corner grocery stores, barbershops, and bodegas.
The investigation focused on illegal slot machines hosted at multiple local business establishments. The authorities seized over 70 slot machines, numerous accessories used to facilitate gambling, and over $100,000 in cash. The warrants were executed by the Trenton Police Department with assistance from the New Jersey State Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hopewell, Ewing Township, West Windsor, and Robbinsville police departments.
Additionally, one arrest was made – Harry B. Almonte, who was identified as the main figure behind the scheme, was arrested at his residence by the Philadelphia Police Department. He was found in possession of three semi-automatic handguns and over half a pound of marijuana.
Almonte was charged with multiple drugs and weapons-related charges. Moreover, the Trenton Police also charged him with Maintenance of Gambling Resort or Online Gambling Resort (2C:37-4a), Possession of Gambling Devices (2C:37-7b), Promoting Gambling (2C:37-2a), and Money Laundering (2C:21-25). The business owners who operated the illegal slot machines were also issued complaint summonses for maintaining a Gambling Resort or Online Gambling Resort (2C:37-4a) and possessing gambling devices (2C:37-7b).
