The Auburndale Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office raided a group of illegal gambling houses in a joint operation.
Wednesday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Auburndale police Chief Terry Storie announced the raids while at the Discount & Deli on Pilaklakaha Avenue in Auburndale.
Videos shared by the sheriff’s office showed deputies removing gambling machines from the store.
“Did you know those machines were hidden in the back room back here so you’d never know they were there?” Storie asked Judd on video.
“If it’s illegal, why are they hiding them in the back room, chief?” Judd responded.
“I wouldn’t know that.” Storie said.
“Neither would I, but we got them now,” Judd said.
According to the sheriff’s office, 10 other locations were raided across the county.
“This is how you deal with people. Illegal gambling in the county, not taking payoffs like another county did,” Judd said, referring to former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, who was arrested for his alleged role in an illegal gambling operation.
“Now, you see, this is a place where today, right now, you can’t buy any Powerball, which is legal. And you also can’t illegally gamble in the hidden back room. See you. Talk to you soon.
The sheriff’s office will hold a press conference to release more information the raid Thursday at 1 p.m.
“This is what happens when law enforcement agencies partner up,” the sheriff said. “Good things happen, bad guys go to jail.”