COLUMBIA, TN — A large-scale, multi-agency investigation into suspected illegal gambling operations in Columbia resulted in 13 arrests Tuesday, along with the seizure of more than $1.3 million in cash, drugs and more than 100 gambling machines.
Authorities simultaneously executed 22 search warrants Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 20 Columbia businesses and two residences connected to the investigation.
According to the Columbia Police Department, officers and agents recovered $1,328,269 in cash, more than 100 pounds of kratom and THCA, and 144 gambling machines during the operation.
The investigation began in July after Columbia police and the Mayor’s Office received multiple complaints from residents and business owners concerning suspected illegal gambling activity.
Undercover officers with the Columbia Police Department’s Investigations Division subsequently visited 50 businesses across the city. Police said investigators identified 20 locations where illegal gambling was allegedly taking place and winnings were being paid out from gambling machines.
“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, and I want to begin by thanking every law enforcement agency that worked alongside the Columbia Police Department to make this operation possible,” Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Haywood said. “Our investigators spent weeks gathering evidence and identifying illegal activity occurring throughout our community.”
Haywood said the results demonstrate both the work of Columbia investigators and the cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Police said investigators also witnessed gambling payouts involving minors believed to be as young as 9 or 10 years old. Officers additionally reported observing increased drug activity at some of the locations.
Investigators identified two residences — one in Columbia and another in Gallatin — where authorities allege proceeds connected to illegal gambling activity were being stored.
The operation involved personnel from the Columbia Police Department, Gallatin Police Department, Portland Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force.
“An operation of this scale requires an extraordinary level of coordination, and the City is grateful to each agency that assisted the Columbia Police Department,” Columbia City Manager Tony Massey said. “I commend Chief Haywood, the men and women of the Columbia Police Department and all of their partners for the excellence demonstrated throughout this operation.”
Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder also praised the investigation, saying the warrants were the culmination of a months-long effort targeting illegal gambling activities in the community.
“I am grateful for the safety of everyone involved during this large-scale operation, and I anticipate the successful prosecution of these cases in the criminal justice system,” Molder said. “There’s no place for illegal activities in our community.”
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional indictments are anticipated.
Search Warrants Executed
Search warrants were conducted at the following locations:
- Residence in Gallatin
- Residence in Columbia
- 818 Hatcher Lane
- 1800 Carmack Blvd.
- 1000 Carmack Blvd.
- 1000 South Main Street
- 1005 Carmack Blvd.
- 101 Santa Fe Pike
- 1202 S. James Campbell Blvd., Suite 8A
- 1300 Hatcher Lane, Suite 4
- 1390 D Hampshire Pike
- 1411 Trotwood Avenue
- 1515 Nashville Highway
- 1533 Bear Creek Pike
- 235 E. James Campbell Blvd.
- 2585 Nashville Highway
- 400 S. James Campbell Blvd.
- 500 North High Street
- 5000 Trotwood Avenue
- 504 South James Campbell Blvd.
- 511 North Garden Street
