Indiana internet cafe busts for gambling

Four men have been charged following an investigation into an online gambling operation run under the name of Lincoln International Internet Sensations LLC, in New Haven, Indiana reports the News-Sentinel newspaper.

Robert Townsend, a state gaming control officer has submitted court documents revealing that he visited the operation on several occasions between August 1, 2011 and December 21, 2011, where he bought computer time and was given internet access to Vegas Style gambling games.

Townsend reported that he had purchased online time for games and could purchase “sweepstake credits” on the server. He was also encouraged to buy a membership which allowed him to use ‘special’ computers in a backroom. After each use, he was able to cash out his credits for his winnings, he alleges.

Defendants Jared E. Hochstedler (36) has been charged with professional gambling and money laundering – both class D felonies; Stephen W. Carnes (48) of Apopka, Florida, has been charged with corrupt business influence, a class C felony and promoting professional gambling, a class D felony, professional gambling, a class D felony, and money laundering, a class D felony.

Defendant Edward Meirs (26) has been charged with corrupt business influence, a class C felony, promoting professional gambling, a class D felony; professional gambling, a class D felony, and money laundering, a class D felony, and Matthew W. Rae (29) faces charges of corrupt business influence, a class C felony, promoting professional gambling, a class D felony, professional gambling, a class D felony, and money laundering, a class D felony.

Under Indiana law, “electronic gaming devices” means, among other things, a slot machine or any simulation or variation of a slot machine.

Charges have also been laid against a Florida company titled Buckwheat Holdings registered to an Indiana businessman, Edward G. Meirs of Fort Wayne. The business is being charged with promoting professional gambling, a class D felony, professional gambling, a class D felony, and money laundering, a class D felony.

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