Two People Charged With Video Poker Machine Violations

LINCOLNTON - Lincolnton/Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Unit confiscated two poker machines at a western Lincoln County business Wednesday night.

A narcotics officer entered the Kountry Korner at 9413 Highway 10 in Vale and played $20.00 in a machine called Sweepstakes which is similar to the now banned video poker machines. The officer built credits of $137.00 and asked the clerk if he could cash in the winnings. She advised the officer that he could take is winnings in merchandise or gasoline and that’s when the officer identified himself to the clerk.

A service man for a company out of Winston Salem was also there working on the machines and dividing the money with the clerk. He was also charged in connection with the bust.

The clerk and owner, Beena M. Patel, 41, of Beverly Lane in Lincolnton was charged with operating and possessing a slot machine, slot machine agreement and operating video gaming.

Mark Robert Adam, 48, 5340 Carillon Dr, Phafftown, NC is also facing the same charges. Officers seized two machines, his van and $10,700 in cash.

Both were released on a $1,500 unsecured bond.