On Thursday, township police, in collaboration with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office, arrested four individuals as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal gambling operations at two local businesses. The arrests were made following an extensive inquiry led by the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at the request of township police.
Mandi Bero, 37, and Miracle Petrino, 46, both residents of Canfield, were apprehended in connection with illegal gambling activities at Lucky’s Internet Cafe located on Boardman-Canfield Road. The arrests were confirmed by Jill Del Greco, the spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s office.
In a related investigation, Karen Maselli, 68, of Pittsburgh, and Dustee Tomaiko, 45, of Randolph, were charged in connection with illegal gambling operations at a Market Street arcade, according to the AG’s office.
The BCI had initiated investigations into these establishments after receiving requests from township police. Search warrants were executed at both Lucky’s Internet Cafe and the Market Street arcade, leading to the discovery of evidence that implicated the suspects in illegal gambling activities.
Jill Del Greco stated that the investigation is still ongoing and therefore, she could not provide further details about the case at this time. However, the arrests highlight the continued efforts by law enforcement to crack down on illegal gambling operations within the township.
The township police and the AG’s office have been vigilant in addressing illegal gambling, a pervasive issue that often leads to various other forms of criminal activities. The collaboration between local law enforcement and state agencies underscores the commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that businesses operate within the legal framework.
Community members have expressed mixed reactions to the crackdown, with some supporting the stringent measures taken by law enforcement, while others raise concerns about the broader implications for local businesses. As the investigation continues, further developments are anticipated, and additional charges may be brought against other individuals involved in these illegal operations.
The arrests of Bero, Petrino, Maselli, and Tomaiko serve as a reminder of the legal repercussions of engaging in or facilitating illegal gambling activities. The township police, along with the Ohio Attorney General’s office, remain dedicated to eradicating illegal gambling and ensuring that all businesses comply with state laws.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to illegal gambling to the authorities, as community cooperation is crucial in combating such unlawful practices. The ongoing investigation will likely shed more light on the extent of these illegal operations and the network behind them, providing a clearer picture of the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing this issue.
