It is reported that a gentleman from Kent is facing charges related to the alleged operation of unlawful gambling businesses in the state of Florida. The man, who is said to have been conducting an illicit slot machine enterprise, has recently entered a plea of not guilty in response to the allegations made against him.
The individual on trial, Timothy Surgen, a 57-year-old businessman, who is alleged to have used his company, Surgen Enterprises, as a cover to carry out slot machine operations. There are more than a hundred charges associated with his alleged misdeeds, suggesting that he provided slot machines at several locations including Black Beards Super Game Room, Games N More and Treasure Island Arcade.
Practically speaking, Florida’s legislation forbids the utilization of slot machines that deliver cash prizes.
Besides allegedly owning and operating slot machines illicitly, Surgen is also facing allegations related to money laundering.
Accusations Suggest Surgen Ran Unlawful Gambling Operations and Laundered Money
Surgen Enterprises was initially established in Ohio in 2012. The company found its footing in Florida six years later, in 2018 when the owner registered it as a foreign limited liability entity, originating from Ohio.
In the year 2019, Surgen submitted a new business application. This act granted him permission to create Treasure Island Arcade, which authorities believe was one of his platforms for offering unlawful slots. This establishment was officially classified as an arcade business providing 50 machines, managed by a team of three employees.
Games N More, which stands amid the disputed venues, was launched in 2022 and was identified as a medium-sized arcade, consisting of 20 machines and manned by four staff members. Black Beards Super Game Room also originated that same year and was classified as an arcade with 25 machines managed by a total of four staff members. Both these venues were attributed to an ex-employee of Surgen.
During the period extending from November 2022 to September 2023, experts examined Games N More and Treasure Island Arcade. Agents working undercover identified armed guards present at these venues and discovered that the establishments offered multiple cash slot machines. To authenticate that the machines were unlawful, agents attempted to redeem cashout tickets for currency and store vouchers – an activity that is proscribed in the state of Florida.
Surgen, having entered a not guilty plea for his alleged participation in unlawful gambling scenarios, is speculated to have facilitated the circulation of more than $304,000 of illegitimate money.
Further charges are waiting for Surgen.
