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Deputies: Manager accused of running illegal gambling house at Tallahassee internet café

Posted at 2:13 PM, Dec 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-04 14:13:26-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A manager is facing more than 60 charges after police say multiple undercover operations discovered that he was running an illegal gambling house at the Tallahassee East Arcade.

According to court documents, throughout the year, Tallahassee Police received several complaints of illegal gambling operations, commonly known as "internet cafés," around town.

Police say one of the locations listed was the Tallahassee East Arcade on Mahan Drive.

As a result of the complaints, officers conducted multiple undercover operations in April and May. During the operations, the undercover investigators would enter the business and make arrangements with the cashier in order to play the slot machine style games.

Police say the arrangements entailed providing the cashier with an ID and money. In return, the investigators received a PIN code which could be used to log into the gaming system.

On May 23, officers executed a search warrant at Tallahassee East Arcade. Prior to searching the building, investigators spoke with the employees of the business.

Police say John McMillon, 32, identified himself as the manager and stated he had been working there since December 2018.

Mcmillon explained to investigators how the business operated and stated that his duties included paying various bills for the business.

When officers spoke to the other employees, they also confirmed that McMillon was the manager.

During the search, police found 64 gambling terminals. Investigators say the terminals were computer stations which were all displaying similar games.

Based on the evidence, officers found that McMillon was responsible for keeping or maintaining a gambling house at the Tallahassee East Arcade. According to court documents, McMillon was arrested and transported to the Leon County Detention Facility on Tuesday.

He is being charged with maintaining a gambling house and 64 counts of possession of slot machines or prohibited devices. As of Wednesday, McMillon is being held in jail without bond.