Jacksonville, ARK— On December 9th, the Jacksonville Police Department conducted a series of search warrants on local businesses suspected of illegal gaming activities, leading to the arrests of three business owners. The operation also uncovered evidence of drug trafficking, firearms possession, and other criminal violations.
The investigation, which targeted businesses across the city, culminated in the seizure of significant amounts of cash, gaming devices, and illegal substances, as well as the arrest of the business owners on multiple charges.
The first individual arrested was Venkata Melapu, the owner of Max’s Convenience Store/Phillips 66. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives seized over $9,000 in cash along with additional evidence related to illegal gaming operations. Melapu faces two charges: one felony count of Keeping a Gaming House and one misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device.
The second arrest involved Ahmed Ali, the owner of Jacksonville Stop and Shop. In addition to several gaming devices, detectives found $4,098.14 in cash, two firearms, and approximately two ounces of marijuana at the business. Ali was charged with a series of serious offenses, including:
- One felony count of Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms
- One felony count of Use of Another Person’s Property to Facilitate Certain Crimes
- One felony count of Possession with Purpose to Deliver, Schedule VI (marijuana)
- One felony count of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
- One felony count of Keeping a Gaming House
- One misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device
In addition to these charges, Ali faces penalty enhancements due to his business’s proximity to a church or daycare, which falls within a 1,000-foot radius.
The third individual arrested was Jagjit Singh, the owner of two AJ Mart locations in Jacksonville. Singh’s arrest followed the discovery that the gaming machines at both businesses had been moved just before the search warrants were executed. While the exact circumstances of the move remain unclear, authorities are continuing to investigate possible efforts to conceal illegal activities.
The search warrants were part of a broader law enforcement initiative to crack down on illegal gaming operations in Jacksonville. The police department’s investigation revealed that these businesses were not only violating local gaming laws but were also engaging in additional criminal activity.
In total, detectives seized a significant amount of evidence, including over $13,000 in cash, multiple gaming machines, firearms, and drugs. The presence of illegal firearms and drugs at these businesses raised concerns over the safety of the surrounding communities, with one of the establishments also being located in close proximity to a daycare and church.
The Jacksonville Police Department has not ruled out the possibility of further arrests or charges as the investigation continues. Authorities have stated that they will pursue all avenues of inquiry to ensure that those involved in illegal activities are held accountable.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community by addressing illegal gambling and any other criminal activities that endanger the public,” said a spokesperson for the Jacksonville Police Department.
With multiple charges pending, including felony counts and penalty enhancements, these arrests serve as a stark reminder of the serious legal consequences tied to illegal gaming and related offenses.
As of now, all three individuals remain in custody, and their cases will proceed through the judicial system.