LIPSCOMB, Ala. — State authorities have charged five men following the discovery of stolen bingo-style slot machines at a Jefferson County bingo hall. The machines, initially seized during a crackdown on illegal gambling in Selma, were found at Jay’s Charity Bingo in Lipscomb, confirmed by evidence stickers still attached to them.
The Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with state agents, executed a search warrant on Tuesday afternoon, leading to the arrest of Charles Allen Robinson, Charles Vanderford Jr., Eric Daniel Hurt, Michael Ray, and William Patrick Humphries. These individuals face charges of third-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into Selma Charity Bingo to steal the machines.
Attorney General Steve Marshall has been vocal about the negative impact of illegal bingo operations on communities, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to uphold the legitimacy of the law. The recent raids, which included 14 facilities across five cities, highlight ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling in Alabama.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some criticizing the closures for eliminating a source of entertainment and community gathering. The situation remains under legal review, with further hearings anticipated to determine the fate of the seized machines and the accused individuals.