Investigators with the Columbia Police Department’s (CPD) Organized Crime and Narcotics (OCN) have charged a 53-year-old man in connection with running an illegal gambling operation.
Anthony Bernard Hopkins (DOB: 12-10-1968) is charged with Operating a Gaming House, Keeping Unlawful Gaming Tables, Possession of a Handgun by a Person Convicted of a Crime of Violence, and Possession of Marijuana (Second Offense).
An anonymous tip led officers to a home at 3317 North Beltline Boulevard yesterday and with a search warrant officers discovered eleven table top gaming machines, cash, a handgun and marijuana. All of the items were seized by CPD officers. It’s believed that Hopkins had been operating the gaming house for approximately two years.
Three people, ranging in age between 68 and 83 were cited for Unlawful Games and Betting and will appear in court at a later date.
Unit and the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) and the Code Enforcement Unit are assisting with the investigation.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.