Trenton Gambling Investigation Seizes over $100,000 and 70 Slot Machines

TRENTON, N.J. – Police seized more than 70 illegal slot machines and over $100,000 after an 11-month gambling investigation across the city. A Philadelphia man was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged operation.

Harry B. Almonte, 33, was identified by Trenton police as the primary target of an investigation involving gambling machines placed inside more than 30 businesses. Authorities said the machines were being used to generate money through illegal gambling.

The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Trenton Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Alcohol and Beverage Control Unit and the New Jersey State Police Financial Crimes Unit.

Police Seize More Than 70 Gambling Machines

Officers executed multiple search warrants across Trenton on Oct. 5 with assistance from the New Jersey State Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and police departments in Hopewell Township, Ewing Township, West Windsor and Robbinsville.

Authorities said the searches resulted in the seizure of more than 70 slot machines, over $100,000 in cash and other items allegedly used to facilitate gambling. Business owners connected to the machines were issued complaint summonses for allegedly maintaining a gambling resort or online gambling resort and possessing gambling devices.

Police had issued a public safety alert earlier in the day after the large law enforcement presence across Trenton drew attention from residents. The department said the activity was part of a planned operation and there was no broader public safety threat.

“This is a reminder that illegal gambling within the City of Trenton will not be tolerated in any form.”

Trenton Police Department

Philadelphia Man Faces Gambling and Money Laundering Charges

Almonte was arrested at his Philadelphia residence by the Philadelphia Police Department. Trenton authorities charged him with maintaining a gambling resort or online gambling resort, possession of gambling devices, promoting gambling and money laundering.

Philadelphia police also allegedly recovered three semi-automatic handguns and more than half a pound of marijuana during the arrest. Almonte faces separate drug and weapons charges in Pennsylvania related to those items, according to Trenton police.

The charges remain allegations, and Almonte is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

New Jersey Authorities Target Illegal Gambling

The Trenton investigation adds to recent enforcement involving unlicensed gambling operations in New Jersey. Authorities have increasingly focused on illegal machines and other gambling businesses operating outside the state’s regulated casino and betting framework.

In a separate case, former Prospect Park councilman Anand Shah pleaded guilty in August to charges tied to an illegal gambling operation that included poker clubs, slot-style machines and an offshore sportsbook.

Trenton police said residents with information about illegal gambling can contact the department as investigators continue enforcement against unauthorized gambling activity in the city.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation