Slot Machines Confiscated. Money Laundering Charge. Massive Undercover Operation.
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2022 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Boynton Beach ”Arcade” was actually an illegal gambling operation, according to a charging document obtained by BocaNewsNow.com. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, as part of a lengthly undercover investigation, raided and shut down the “Crowne Arcade” at 8890 Lawrence Road in Boynton Beach.
Detectives arrested Marquita Margadonna, 66. She is charged with money laundering, keeping a gambling house, acting as an agent or employee of a gambling house, and unlawful possession of a slot machine device or devices. She was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and was later released on $9,000 bond.
According to the arrest report, which you can read in its entirety below, “Undercover operations revealed the Crowne Arcade is engaged in Las Vegas style video slot machines for cash prizes and are currently to date operating as illegal gambling houses contrary to Florida Statute.”
Also from the report: ”Just inside the door of the establishment your affiant located what is known to your affiant as the cashier area which was comprised of a desk where a white male who identified himself as Vinnie was located. Through investigative means your affiant positively identified the cashier as w/m Edvin Tomini. Your affiant explained to Tomini that it was our first day playing this establishment. Tomini explained to me about the different styles of machines contained within the establishment. All machines were cash-in cash-out machines. Tomini explained that the winnings or remaining money from the gaming machines would print a ticket at the cashier office and he would give us cash for whole dollar amounts.”
The investigation, which included undercover officers, surveillance gear, and more began in November of 2021 and included multiple game-playing visits to the Crowne Arcade.
Read the complete report below.
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