Sheriff Wayne Ivey Update: 4 Illegal Gambling Operations Dismantled and 2 Animal Abuse Suspects in Jail
Aug 22, 2024, 2am -- THE BLAKE MOIA SHOW
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey took to the airwaves via Facebook live to announce the arrest of 2 animal abuse suspects. The abuse was so sickening that it almost made the Sheriff cuss live on Facebook, the Sheriff said.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that 75-year-old Patricia Regan Merrill is charged with 18 counts of felony animal abuse and 18 counts of unlawful confinement of an animal for keeping neglecting 20 animals inside her home.
Authorities say that 17 cats, 1 dog and 2 birds were neglected and not cared for.
The home had no running water for 2 years and was covered in animal feces and urine.
"The cats and the 1 dog were extremely malnourished - severe starvation and also flea infestation", the sheriff said.
The animals had an insufficient and lack of vet care. She remains in jail on a $62,000 bond.
Second Animal Abuse Suspect
The Animal Enforcement Unit and the Wanted Fugitive Unit also announced the arrest of 46-year-old Douglas Humberto Lopez earlier that same day on a warrant for 1 count of animal cruelty and unlawful confinement of an animal.
Brevard County Sheriff, Wayne Ivey said that Cocoa Beach Police alerted the Animal Services Unit to investigate possible neglect of a dog inside a home.
Later, it was discovered a dead Husky dog was laying deceased inside a kennel.
"He just let the dog sit there and die", the sheriff said. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Lopez, and he is sitting in jail on a $16,000 bond.
WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS
Authorities take animal abuse suspect into jail.
Sheriff's Office Dismantles 4 Illegal Gambling Operations
Last week, authorities executed search warrants at four illegal gambling facilities in Cocoa. The Florida Gaming Control Commission assisted with the operation, confiscating illegal slot machines, related equipment, and cash from each location.
“Through the efforts of our agents, these illegal operations were disrupted, and evidence was collected that will allow us to continue our on-going criminal investigation," the Brevard County Sheriff said.
Agents raided the illegal businesses, confiscated hundreds of unregistered slot machines, illegal gaming devices and thousands of dollars in cash.
The Illegal Contraband Seized by Authorities
Inside these illegal gambling facilities, $288,207 cash and 158 illegal slot machines were seized by law enforcement personnel. 130 pieces of related equipment were also confiscated, including televisions, computers, and money counters.
Upon inspection, one slot machine had taken in $1.3 million over the course of its use.
Another slot machine seized had 4,200 games played yet zero jackpots awarded to patrons. For context, a legal slot machine in a licensed slot facility in Florida is required to pay out at least 85 percent to patrons. FGCC agents will continue to investigators.
A handgun was also found by authorities during the search warrant.
“I am truly grateful for the partnership our agency has with the Florida Gaming Control Commission which resulted in the shutdown of these illegal gaming establishments operating in our communities,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne.
“In Florida, gaming activities are strictly regulated and enforced. Slot machines are legal only in limited pari- mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as facilities operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said Lou Trombetta, Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
“Unlawful, unregulated gambling at illegal gambling facilities have no guarantees of fair play, provide absolutely zero consumer protections, pay no state tax on their revenue, and offer no recourse if an operator refuses to pay out winnings. These illegal facilities are a true threat to Floridians and visitors.”
• $217,092, 37 gambling machines, and 71 pieces of equipment at 4875 West King Street, Cocoa, Fl
• $34,927, 51 gambling machines, and 38 pieces of equipment at 694 West Avenue, Cocoa, Fl
• $21,417, 35 gambling machines, seven pieces of equipment, and a handgun at 1273 West King Street, Cocoa, Fl
• $14,771, 35 gambling machines, and 14 pieces of equipment at 672 West Avenue, Cocoa, Fl
“Illegal gambling is a rampant issue in communities throughout Florida and pose serious issues, including connection to other dangerous criminal activity,” said Carl Herold, Florida Gaming Control Commission Director of Law Enforcement.
“Our Division of Gaming Enforcement will continue to address illicit gambling to protect the safety and integrity of our communities, and we appreciate continued reports about any suspicion of illegal gambling operations and facilities.”
Investigators say that arrests are pending after they complete more investigation.
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