EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the previous owners of Gasland Mart as being charged in connection with this investigation. That information came from the Ohio Investigative Unit, who have since confirmed they made a mistake in their original release. 

 

Gambling machines were seized and nine people were charged during raids by state agents at four Warren area businesses.

According to Eric Wolf, Enforcement Commander of the Ohio Investigative Unit, search warrants were carried out on Wednesday at the Convenient Food Mart on Elm Road, Northside Market on North Park Avenue, Gasland Mart on Larchmont NE, and Champion Convenient on Mahoning Avenue.

Wolf says nine gambling machines and $3,728 were seized during the raids which included help from the Warren and Champion Police Departments.

In addition, criminal summons were issued to nine people.

Below are details of the establishments that were searched and the names of those charged"

Convenient Food Mart, 1409 Elm Rd. NE.,  Warren

Seized two gambling machines and $1,461 in U.S. currency

Four administration notices for gambling- acquire, possess, control, or operate a gambling device; electronic video gambling device; game of chance for profit or scheme of chance; operating a gambling house; and recklessly permitting public gaming

Criminal summonses were issued to:

  • Mark I. Shafar, 56, Cortland, one count of gambling and four counts of operating a gambling house
  • Jatice Q. Provitt, 45, Warren, one count of gambling
  • Nabil T. Al-Banna, 41, Warren, one count of gambling
  • Marie A. Yauger, 21, Warren, one count of gambling

Northside Market, 1645 N. Park Ave., Warren

Seized two gambling machines and $404 in U.S. currency

Four administrative violations for gambling- acquire, possess, control, or operate a gambling device; electronic video gambling device; game of chance for profit or scheme of chance; operating a gambling house; and recklessly permitting public gaming

Criminal summonses were issued to:

  • Labh Singh, 30, Warren, one count of gambling and three counts of operating a gambling house
  • Ricky Singh, 18, Warren, on count of gambling
  • Many Singh, 27, Warren, gambling 

Gasland Mart, 2851 Larchmont Ave. NE Howland Twp., Warren

Seized two gambling machines and $798 in U.S. currency

Four administration violations for gambling-acquire, possess, control, or operate a gambling device; electronic video gambling device; game of chance for profit or scheme of chance; operating a gambling house; and recklessly permitting public gaming

Criminal summonses were issued to:

  • Rajdeep Singh, 22, Nashport, operating a gambling house
  • Brittney Sunderland, 28, Warren, gambling

Champions Convenient, 4853 Mahoning Ave. Champion Twp., Warren

Seized three gambling machines and $1,064.75 in U.S. in currency

Five administrative violations for gambling- acquire, possess, control, or operate a gambling device; electronic video gambling device; game of chance for profit or scheme of chance; Operating a Gambling House; and Recklessly Permitting Public Gaming

Criminal summonses were issued to:

  • Rachel L. Katona, 37, Warren, three counts of gambling and three counts of operating a gambling house.  
  • Mark Shafar, 56, Cortland, operating a gambling house.