More slot machines seized by police

DOWNEY - Police seized slot machines from two retail stores in Downey last week, including a discount mart that was previously cited for illegal gambling last September.Members of the Downey Police Department's Special Enforcement Team confiscated two electronic slot machines from the BioHazard Smoke Shop at 12121 Paramount Blvd., Unit D, on Feb. 8. The clerk, a 29-year-old Lynwood woman, was issued a misdemeanor citation for possessing and permitting the operation of slot machines, authorities said. An additional slot machine was seized at the 98 Cents+ Mart at 13258 Woodruff Ave. The store owner, identified only as a 43-year-old Buena Park woman, was arrested. Police previously cited the store owner in September after investigators found two slot machines containing more than $900. Authorities at the time said the slot machine was being used for illegal gambling. The unidentified store owner pleaded guilty in court, police said. Owning and/or operating a slot machine is prohibited under California law, unless the machine is more than 25 years old.

********** Published: February 17, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 44