Three people are charged with running an illegal gambling operation out of a convenience store in Banks County. Banks County Sheriff’s Lt. Carissa McFadden says the three turned themselves into authorities after law enforcement seized four lottery gambling machines and over $16,000 from The Country Store on Highway 51 South in Lula.
She says Banks County Investigators launched an extensive investigation into the alleged operation after receiving complaints about illegal gambling at the business.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the store located at 2448 Highway 51 South around 1 p.m. Friday. On Monday, the three subjects turned themselves into the Banks County Detention Center.
36-year old Pinal Manilal Patel of Lawrenceville and 32-year old Cannon Morgan Patel of Commerce are charged with one count each of keeping a gambling place of business and commercial gambling. Cannon Patel’s husband, 28-year old Purva Kumar Patel also of Commerce, faces three counts on each charge.
All three are now out of jail on bond.
