Police crack down on illegal gambling nets three more arrests in Columbus

Three more people were taken into custody in a crackdown by the Metro Narcotics Task Force on commercial gambling in Columbus area convenience stores.

The suspects were identified as Kizzie Maye, 46, Tejas Suthar, 35, and Chamelia Brown, 31, all of Columbus. Maye and Suthar, both cashiers, were taken into custody by the department’s Special Operations Unit about 6:50 p.m. Thursday on a warrant at the Nick Food Mart, 5018 Hamilton Road. Maye faces one count of commercial gambling while Suthar was charged with keeping a gambling place.

Brown turned herself in about 12:15 p.m. Friday to the Metro Narcotics Task Force at the Public Safety Center. She was charged on outstanding warrants in keeping a gambling place and commercial gambling and taken to the Muscogee County Jail. Police didn’t state a location on the charges.

All three suspects were released on bond from the Muscogee County Jail.

Police didn’t note why the suspects were arrested but charges have been made at establishments with coin-operated amusement machines at convenience stores. Players are allowed to win prizes playing the games but cash payments are illegal.

With two arrests earlier this week, the Task Force and Special Operations units have charged five people on commercial gambling or keeping a gambling place.

This story was originally published November 17, 2018 at 9:41 AM.