BYRON, Ga. (AP) - Search warrants were issued to seven Byron convenience stores and one in Roberta as part of an investigation of gambling, money laundering and tax evasion violations.
The Macon Telegraph (http://bit.ly/1zApjh5 ) reports the eight stores were closed or in the process of being closed Tuesday. District Attorney David Cooke says the stores are accused of making illegal payouts for gaming machine winnings.
Authorities also served a search warrant at the home of a Bryon store's owners, 73-year-old Lee Bartlett and 71-year-old Ronald Bartlett.
State law prohibits stores from paying winning players in cash. Redemptions are legal only for store credit, merchandise, gas or lottery tickets.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Information from: The Macon Telegraph, http://www.macontelegraph.com
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