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Trenton police seized more than 70 slot machines and more than $100,000 on Oct. 5 after an 11-month investigation into illegal gambling at more than 30 businesses, the Trenton Police Department said in a media release.
Detectives from the department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau Alcohol and Beverage Control Unit and the New Jersey State Police Financial Crimes Unit led the investigation. Police said they found slot-style machines being used for personal gain at the businesses.
Raids across Trenton net slot machines
Trenton police, with help from the New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hopewell, Ewing Township, West Windsor and Robbinsville police departments, executed multiple search warrants at businesses across the city.
Officers seized more than 70 slot machines, more than $100,000 in cash and numerous other items police said were used to facilitate the gambling.
Phinadelphia man identified as main target
Police identified Harry B. Almonte, 33, of Philadelphia, as the main target of the operation.
Philadelphia police arrested Almonte at his home, where officers allegedly found three semiautomatic handguns and more than a half-pound of marijuana. He faces multiple drug and weapons charges in Pennsylvania, which are separate from the New Jersey case.
Charges filed against suspect, business owners
Trenton police charged Almonte with maintaining a gambling resort or online gambling resort, possessing gambling devices, promoting gambling and money laundering. New Jersey 101.5 reported that the charges were filed in Mercer County Superior Court. The first three are third-degree offenses, and money laundering is a second-degree offense.
Business owners were issued complaint summonses for maintaining a gambling resort or online gambling resort and possessing gambling devices. Police did not say how many owners received summonses. Charges are accusations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How residents can report illegal gambling in Tenton, NJ
Police have not said when Almonte or the business owners are due in court. Police said illegal gambling in the city “will not be tolerated in any form.” Anyone with information can call 609-989-4000 or email tpdcrimetips@trentonpolice.net.
