The News Herald Warrants were served Tuesday at six businesses in Gulf and Bay counties and five people were charged with having gambling machines in their bars. Emrick-Haberland, owner of The Purple Turtle, was arrested at 10 a.m. and additionally charged with possession of gambling machines and possession of gambling records, both misdemeanors. Emrick-Haberland was given a conditional release from custody Tuesday morning. McVay, co-owner of Jo's Sip N Cue, was also charged with the misdemeanor counts of possession of gambling machines and gambling records after a warrant was served at his establishment at about 10 a.m. Investigators said Hoyt McDowell, owner of Lookout Lounge, and John Hanson, owner of Wunder Bar, were charged with misdemeanor possession of gambling machines.
Customers win tickets when symbols are randomly matched.
Scruggs said the tickets were worth 50 cents each and could be redeemed for gift certificates to area businesses. They just knew that people were running in and getting gift certificates. Scruggs said the bar owners were trying to circumvent the gambling laws by providing gift certificates in place of cash for winnings. Gift certificates have a cash value. Scruggs said more than one gift certificate had to be won by officers to show a pattern.