In a press release from Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott, he said, “I first took office in 2014; I promised that I would not allow organized and systemic illegal gambling operations to continue in Coffee County, especially as it relates to poker machines. The D.A. also said, “At the time, many convenience stores and other businesses throughout the County had multiple machines operating, and they, along with the supplier of the machines, promoted gambling for their own financial gain.” This conduct was and still is a Class E felony in Tennessee. So long as it remains such, Northcott said he will not turn a blind eye to this criminal enterprise.
He added, “Within a few weeks of my election in 2014, my office, with the help of our law enforcement partners, we were able to rid Coffee County of these machines. He added, “In recent months, I have learned that the machines have returned. “The operators falsely claim that these machines are legal and will place signs on them to suggest that they are not gambling machines. This is clearly not true under Tennessee law.” The District Attorney said, “Please know that I am making efforts to find these machines, eliminate them from the County, and prosecute those who are operating/supplying them. Also, know that using them is a crime.”
Northcott stated, “I am reaching out to the community for your help in learning where these machines are located. If you are aware of these poker machines being operated within Coffee County, please contact Inv. Brandon Reed at the Coffee County District Attorney’s office to provide him with this information. He can be reached at (931) 723-5055 or dbreed@tndagc.org.”
