Bunnell Internet Cafe Shut Down In Gambling Sting

Posted
Courtesy of Flagler County Sheriff's Office


Bunnell, FL - Gambling equipment and cash proceeds from gambling were carried out of a Bunnell internet cafe last night (May 10) by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit and members of the Investigative Services Division, during "Operation End Game". Five gambling machines were carried out and an unreported amount of cash.

Dakota Joes Senior Entertainment Center, located at 2245 S. Old Dixie Hwy in Bunnell, was brought to the FCSO's attention a few months ago, when Sheriff Rick Staly entered the business and spoke with the manager. The Sheriff noticed some suspicious activity that resembled electronic gambling.

Numerous undercover operations have taken place at Dakota Joe's since that time. Gaming devices that pay out money to winners were discovered in the establishment. This gave detectives the information needed to secure a search warrant and shut the business down for gambling related offenses.

On November 1, 2018, a Cease and Desist letter was served after an armed robbery that took place at the business on October 29, 2018. Gambling activities ended for a period of time before starting back up again.

“These internet cafes are illegal in Florida and often become targets for crimes, just like the armed robbery that took place at this same establishment last October,” Sheriff Staly said. “We gave them fair warning the first time that their activity is illegal in Florida. Now we are back again after finding illegal activity. Any similar businesses operating in Flagler County need to cut their losses and close their doors or face arrest with a future ‘Operation End Game’ coming to you.”

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