Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
McGruff
()
Date: August 13, 2011 05:53PM
Va. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
By Jane Watrel
Friday, Aug 12, 2011 | Updated 8:49 PM EDT
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Va-Task-Force-Busts-Dragon-Family-Gambling-Ring-127624033.html
Dozens of law enforcement officers busted an illegal gambling ring in Falls Church, Va., seizing more than $1 million in cash and arresting members of a Vietnamese-American gang.
Falls Church police learned late last fall that the Dragon Family gang was running a sophisticated gambling operation out of a local shopping center -- hidden in plain sight. Gamblers who lost $100,000 to the gang over the course of a year complained to police, so they called the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force for help.
The gambling ring operated out of 13 small coffee shops with names like the HA Cafe and Cafe VV, police said. All were in the Eden Center, a shopping mecca for the local Vietnamese community.
In Operation Aces and Eights, police seized 70 computers that were doctored to look like patrons were merely surfing the Internet.
“The type of gambling is the video machines have been manipulated that it would look like entertainment machines, and then a series of a process that the store managers, owners would have turn it into a gambling machine card game -- blackjack, poker games, stuff like that,” said Lt. Dan Ness, of the task force.
The operation was lucrative. About $1 million in illegal gambling cash was seized in a raid Thursday night.
The Dragon Family operated out of the Eden Center for years, police said.
“Their presence at the Eden Center, in and around the Eden Center, has paralyzed that community,” Hess said. “Particularly, a close knit community such as the Eden Center, it will paralyze the commerce, it will paralyze the ability for people that have legitimate businesses.”
Police didn’t say how many members of the Dragon Family have been arrested, but they are all male and range in age from 16 to 50. The charges range from extortion to gambling. More arrests are coming, police said.
By Jane Watrel
Friday, Aug 12, 2011 | Updated 8:49 PM EDT
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Va-Task-Force-Busts-Dragon-Family-Gambling-Ring-127624033.html
Dozens of law enforcement officers busted an illegal gambling ring in Falls Church, Va., seizing more than $1 million in cash and arresting members of a Vietnamese-American gang.
Falls Church police learned late last fall that the Dragon Family gang was running a sophisticated gambling operation out of a local shopping center -- hidden in plain sight. Gamblers who lost $100,000 to the gang over the course of a year complained to police, so they called the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force for help.
The gambling ring operated out of 13 small coffee shops with names like the HA Cafe and Cafe VV, police said. All were in the Eden Center, a shopping mecca for the local Vietnamese community.
In Operation Aces and Eights, police seized 70 computers that were doctored to look like patrons were merely surfing the Internet.
“The type of gambling is the video machines have been manipulated that it would look like entertainment machines, and then a series of a process that the store managers, owners would have turn it into a gambling machine card game -- blackjack, poker games, stuff like that,” said Lt. Dan Ness, of the task force.
The operation was lucrative. About $1 million in illegal gambling cash was seized in a raid Thursday night.
The Dragon Family operated out of the Eden Center for years, police said.
“Their presence at the Eden Center, in and around the Eden Center, has paralyzed that community,” Hess said. “Particularly, a close knit community such as the Eden Center, it will paralyze the commerce, it will paralyze the ability for people that have legitimate businesses.”
Police didn’t say how many members of the Dragon Family have been arrested, but they are all male and range in age from 16 to 50. The charges range from extortion to gambling. More arrests are coming, police said.
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Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
chuckhoffmann
()
Date: August 13, 2011 06:29PM
.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 02:44PM by chuckhoffmann.
"Only good things can come of more communication." - Cary Wiedemann, March 3, 2005
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 02:44PM by chuckhoffmann.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
More Updates
()
Date: August 14, 2011 06:33PM
Police raid Falls Church cafes, say Dragon Family gang ran illegal gambling ring
By June Q. Wu, Published: August 12
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/police-raid-falls-church-cafes-say-dragon-family-gang-ran-illegal-gambling-ring/2011/08/12/gIQAtoFtBJ_story.html
Northern Virginia police said they have crippled an illegal gambling ring run by a local gang in Falls Church after seizing more than $1 million in cash and 70 gaming machines in a raid Thursday night.
Police raided 13 cafes at Eden Center in Falls Church, a vibrant hub of Vietnamese cafes, bars and markets on Wilson Boulevard near Seven Corners, authorities announced Friday. They said a gang known as Dragon Family, which police officials said had “access” to the cafes, had been operating illegal gaming machines.
Police said they are working to track down gang leaders and members involved in the ring. They have arrested 19 people on a variety of misdemeanor charges that include gambling and alcohol violations.
Falls Church police said they have long suspected illegal gambling and gang-related activity at Eden Center. Past efforts to penetrate the ring were unsuccessful, and Falls Church police reached out to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, a federally funded group of local, state and federal officials, for help last fall.
“Simply put, the nature and scope of the problem were beyond the resources of this department,” Falls Church Police Chief Harry Reitze said Friday at a news conference.
The task force’s operation, dubbed “Aces and Eights,” was carried out over several months, and police said they thought Thursday night’s raid would significantly curtail gambling and other illegal activity at Eden Center, home to 120 small businesses, many of them family-owned.
Police said the Dragon Family, a Vietnamese gang, has members who range in age from 15 to 50. Police said they have identified gang leadership but could not comment on pending charges.
The gang placed several gaming machines in cafes in Eden Center, and customers could insert bills ranging from $1 to $100 to play games such as poker and blackjack, according to Prince William County Police Lt. Daniel Hess, the task force commander.
“If you weren’t looking closely, you would think it was simply for entertainment purposes,” Hess said.
Gang activity at the Eden Center has “paralyzed” the community’s ability to run legitimate businesses, Hess said. “The majority of businesses there are legitimate and have to put up with gangsters in and around the area,” he said.
Police said they have evidence of other illegal gang-related activity, including extortion and drug dealing. Several stabbings and violent assaults reported in the area over the past year may be connected to the Dragon Family, police said.
Police said business owners and members of the Vietnamese community have thanked them. One person told police he had lost $100,000, they said.
“This is the heart of the community,” said Tyler Nguyen, who was having lunch at Cafe Dang. “We come here and socialize. It’s a great place to be.”
Attachments:
By June Q. Wu, Published: August 12
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/police-raid-falls-church-cafes-say-dragon-family-gang-ran-illegal-gambling-ring/2011/08/12/gIQAtoFtBJ_story.html
Northern Virginia police said they have crippled an illegal gambling ring run by a local gang in Falls Church after seizing more than $1 million in cash and 70 gaming machines in a raid Thursday night.
Police raided 13 cafes at Eden Center in Falls Church, a vibrant hub of Vietnamese cafes, bars and markets on Wilson Boulevard near Seven Corners, authorities announced Friday. They said a gang known as Dragon Family, which police officials said had “access” to the cafes, had been operating illegal gaming machines.
Police said they are working to track down gang leaders and members involved in the ring. They have arrested 19 people on a variety of misdemeanor charges that include gambling and alcohol violations.
Falls Church police said they have long suspected illegal gambling and gang-related activity at Eden Center. Past efforts to penetrate the ring were unsuccessful, and Falls Church police reached out to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, a federally funded group of local, state and federal officials, for help last fall.
“Simply put, the nature and scope of the problem were beyond the resources of this department,” Falls Church Police Chief Harry Reitze said Friday at a news conference.
The task force’s operation, dubbed “Aces and Eights,” was carried out over several months, and police said they thought Thursday night’s raid would significantly curtail gambling and other illegal activity at Eden Center, home to 120 small businesses, many of them family-owned.
Police said the Dragon Family, a Vietnamese gang, has members who range in age from 15 to 50. Police said they have identified gang leadership but could not comment on pending charges.
The gang placed several gaming machines in cafes in Eden Center, and customers could insert bills ranging from $1 to $100 to play games such as poker and blackjack, according to Prince William County Police Lt. Daniel Hess, the task force commander.
“If you weren’t looking closely, you would think it was simply for entertainment purposes,” Hess said.
Gang activity at the Eden Center has “paralyzed” the community’s ability to run legitimate businesses, Hess said. “The majority of businesses there are legitimate and have to put up with gangsters in and around the area,” he said.
Police said they have evidence of other illegal gang-related activity, including extortion and drug dealing. Several stabbings and violent assaults reported in the area over the past year may be connected to the Dragon Family, police said.
Police said business owners and members of the Vietnamese community have thanked them. One person told police he had lost $100,000, they said.
“This is the heart of the community,” said Tyler Nguyen, who was having lunch at Cafe Dang. “We come here and socialize. It’s a great place to be.”
Attachments:
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Hoffan
()
Date: August 15, 2011 06:22PM
Yes
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Four Aces
()
Date: August 15, 2011 07:42PM
One million in cash. Further proof people will gamble no matter what the laws say. Just legalize it and take the tax revenue. It put the numbers runners out of business when the lottery was established.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
...
()
Date: August 16, 2011 01:49AM
My condolences to the Dragon family and to anyone else affected by this raid. The confiscation of their money is reprehensible and demonstrates the voracious appetite of the state, and hints at the real reason behind the raid. The folly that is gambling prohibition must be ended. In the meantime, their civil disobedience writ large provided many a happy evening for the Vietnamese community, I am sure, and I hope that another gambling den will take its place.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
FrostedMiniWheats
()
Date: August 16, 2011 07:45AM
They could have collected way more than $1M if they focused on unreported cash income by virtually all the Eden center businesses instead of gambling. But I think it sounds way cooler to "bring down the DRAGON family"!
The Tiger family is now licking its chops.
The Tiger family is now licking its chops.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Pho Phuc at Cafe Dang
()
Date: August 16, 2011 10:15AM
Dang, I cant wait to eat some Phucin Pho, Although not from that cafe dang!
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
beefsupreme
()
Date: August 16, 2011 10:41AM
Dragon family? That sounds like the coolest family name ever.
Also, I think it's bullshit that people called the cops AFTER they lost money while gambling.
Also, I think it's bullshit that people called the cops AFTER they lost money while gambling.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
chuckhoffmann
()
Date: August 16, 2011 02:21PM
.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 02:45PM by chuckhoffmann.
"Only good things can come of more communication." - Cary Wiedemann, March 3, 2005
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 02:45PM by chuckhoffmann.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Teo
()
Date: August 16, 2011 03:31PM
Virginia Gambling Laws
Virginia Code
§ 11-14. Gaming contracts void.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, all wagers, conveyances, assurances, and all contracts and securities whereof the whole or any part of the consideration is money or other valuable thing won, laid, or bet, at any game, horse race, sport or pastime, and all contracts to repay any money knowingly lent at the time and place of such game, race, sport or pastime, to any person for the purpose of so gaming, betting, or wagering, or to repay any money so lent to any person who shall, at such time and place, so pay, bet or wager, shall be utterly void.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a contract governing the distribution of state lottery proceeds shall be valid and enforceable as between the parties to the contract.
§ 11-15. Recovery of money or property lost in gaming.
Any person who shall, by playing at any game or betting on the sides or hands of such as play at any game, lose within twenty-four hours, the sum or value of five dollars, or more, and pay or deliver the same, or any part thereof, may, within three months next following, recover from the winner, the money or the value of the goods so lost and paid or delivered, with costs of suit in civil action, either by suit or warrant, according to the amount or value thereof.
§ 11-16. Bill by loser; repayment discharges winner from punishment.
Such loser may file a bill in equity against such winner, who shall answer the same, and upon discovery and repayment of the money or property so won, or its value, such winner shall be discharged from any forfeiture or punishment which he may have incurred for winning the same.
§ 18.2-325. Definitions.
1. "Illegal gambling" means the making, placing or receipt, of any bet or wager in this Commonwealth of money or other thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake or other consideration or thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest or any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance, whether such game, contest or event, occurs or is to occur inside or outside the limits of this Commonwealth.
2. "Interstate gambling" means the conduct of an enterprise for profit which engages in the purchase or sale within the Commonwealth of any interest in a lottery of another state or country whether or not such interest is an actual lottery ticket, receipt, contingent promise to pay, order to purchase, or other record of such interest.
3. "Gambling device" includes:
a. Any device, machine, paraphernalia, equipment, or other thing, including books, records and other papers, which are actually used in an illegal gambling operation or activity, and
b. Any machine, apparatus, implement, instrument, contrivance, board or other thing, including but not limited to those dependent upon the insertion of a coin or other object for their operation, which operates, either completely automatically or with the aid of some physical act by the player or operator, in such a manner that, depending upon elements of chance, it may eject something of value or determine the prize or other thing of value to which the player is entitled; provided, however, that the return to the user of nothing more than additional chances or the right to use such machine is not deemed something of value within the meaning of this subsection; and provided further, that machines that only sell, or entitle the user to, items of merchandise of equivalent value that may differ from each other in composition, size, shape or color, shall not be deemed gambling devices within the meaning of this subsection.
Such devices are no less gambling devices if they indicate beforehand the definite result of one or more operations but not all the operations. Nor are they any less a gambling device because, apart from their use or adaptability as such, they may also sell or deliver something of value on a basis other than chance.
4. "Operator" includes any person, firm or association of persons, who conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs or owns all or part of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation.
§ 18.2-326. Penalty for illegal gambling.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person who illegally gambles or engages in interstate gambling as defined in §18.2-325 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. If an association or pool of persons illegally gamble, each person therein shall be guilty of illegal gambling.
§ 18.2-327. Winning by fraud; penalty.
If any person while gambling cheats or by fraudulent means wins or acquires for himself or another money or any other valuable thing, he shall be fined not less than five nor more than ten times the value of such winnings. This penalty shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed under this article.
§ 18.2-328. Conducting illegal gambling operation; penalties.
The operator of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, any such operator who engages in an illegal gambling operation which (i) has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days or (ii) has gross revenue of $2,000 or more in any single day shall be fined not more than $20,000 and imprisoned not less than one year nor more than ten years.
As used in this section, the term "gross revenue" means the total amount of illegal gambling transactions handled, dealt with, received by or placed with such operation, as distinguished from any net figure or amount from which deductions are taken, without regard to whether money or any other thing of value actually changes hands.
§ 18.2-329. Owners, etc., of gambling place permitting its continuance; penalty.
If the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in control of any place or conveyance, knows, or reasonably should know, that it is being used for illegal gambling, and permits such gambling to continue without having notified a law-enforcement officer of the presence of such illegal gambling activity, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-330. Accessories to gambling activity; penalty.
Any person, firm or association of persons, other than those persons specified in other sections of this article, who knowingly aids, abets or assists in the operation of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-331. Illegal possession, etc., of gambling device; penalty.
A person is guilty of illegal possession of a gambling device when he manufactures, sells, transports, rents, gives away, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of any gambling device, believing or having reason to believe that the same is to be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-332. Certain acts not deemed "consideration" in prosecution under this article.
In any prosecution under this article, no consideration shall be deemed to have passed or been given because of any person's attendance upon the premises of another; his execution, mailing or delivery of an entry blank; his answering of questions, verbally or in writing; his witnessing of a demonstration or other proceeding; or any one or more thereof, where no charge is made to, paid by, or any purchase required of him in connection therewith.
§ 18.2-333. Exceptions to article; certain sporting events.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent any contest of speed or skill between men, animals, fowl or vehicles, where participants may receive prizes or different percentages of a purse, stake or premium dependent upon whether they win or lose or dependent upon their position or score at the end of such contest.
Any participant who, for the purpose of competing for any such purse, stake or premium offered in any such contest, knowingly and fraudulently enters any contestant other than the contestant purported to be entered or knowingly and fraudulently enters a contestant in a class in which it does not belong, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-334. Exception to article; private residences.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in a game of chance conducted in a private residence, provided such private residence is not commonly used for such games of chance and there is no operator as defined in subsection 4 of § 18.2-325.
§ 18.2-334.2. Same; bingo games, raffles and duck races conducted by certain organizations.
Nothing in this article shall apply to any bingo game, instant bingo, raffle, or duck race conducted solely by organizations as defined in § 18.2-340.16 which have received a permit as set forth in § 18.2-340.25, or which are exempt from the permit requirement under § 18.2-340.23.
§ 18.2-334.3. Exemptions to article; state lottery.
Nothing in this article shall apply to any lottery conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 58.1.
§ 18.2-334.4. Exemptions to article; pari-mutuel wagering.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering conducted in accordance with Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1.
§ 18.2-336. Forfeiture of money, gambling devices, etc., seized from illegal gambling enterprise; innocent owners or lienors.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995.
§ 18.2-337. Immunity of witnesses from prosecution.
No witness called by the Commonwealth or by the court, giving evidence either before the grand jury or in any prosecution under this article, shall ever be prosecuted for the offense being prosecuted concerning which he testifies. Such witness shall be compelled to testify and for refusing to do so may be punished for contempt.
§ 18.2-338. Enforcement of § 18.2-331 by Governor and Attorney General.
If it shall come to the knowledge of the Governor that § 18.2-331 is not being enforced in any county, city or town, the Governor may call upon the Attorney General to direct its enforcement in such county, city or town, and thereupon the Attorney General may instruct the attorney for the Commonwealth, sheriff and chief of police, if any, of such county, or the attorney for the Commonwealth and chief of police of such city, or the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county in which such town is located and the chief of police or sergeant of such town, to take such steps as may be necessary to insure the enforcement of such section in such county, city or town, and if any such officers, after receiving such instructions, shall thereafter fail or refuse to exercise diligence in the enforcement of § 18.2-331, the Attorney General shall make report thereof in writing to the Governor and to the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the acts thereby prohibited, and thereupon the Attorney General upon being directed so to do by the Governor, shall take such steps as he may deem proper in directing the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings, to secure the enforcement of § 18.2-331.
§ 18.2-339. Enjoining offenses relating to gambling.
Whenever any person shall be engaged in committing, or in permitting to be committed, or shall be about to commit, or permit, any act prohibited by any one or more of the sections in this article, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such act is being, or is about to be, committed or permitted, or the Attorney General of the Commonwealth, may institute and maintain a suit in equity in the appropriate court, in the name of the Commonwealth, upon the relation of such attorney for the Commonwealth, or the Attorney General, to enjoin and restrain such person from committing, or permitting, such prohibited act or acts. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for injunctions, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein.
§ 18.2-340. County ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling.
The governing body of any county may adopt ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling and other illegal activity related thereto, including provision for forfeiture proceedings in the name of the county. Such ordinances shall not conflict with the provisions of this article or with other state laws and any penalties provided for violation of such ordinances shall not exceed a fine of $2,500 or confinement in jail for twelve months, either or both.
Virginia Code
§ 11-14. Gaming contracts void.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, all wagers, conveyances, assurances, and all contracts and securities whereof the whole or any part of the consideration is money or other valuable thing won, laid, or bet, at any game, horse race, sport or pastime, and all contracts to repay any money knowingly lent at the time and place of such game, race, sport or pastime, to any person for the purpose of so gaming, betting, or wagering, or to repay any money so lent to any person who shall, at such time and place, so pay, bet or wager, shall be utterly void.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a contract governing the distribution of state lottery proceeds shall be valid and enforceable as between the parties to the contract.
§ 11-15. Recovery of money or property lost in gaming.
Any person who shall, by playing at any game or betting on the sides or hands of such as play at any game, lose within twenty-four hours, the sum or value of five dollars, or more, and pay or deliver the same, or any part thereof, may, within three months next following, recover from the winner, the money or the value of the goods so lost and paid or delivered, with costs of suit in civil action, either by suit or warrant, according to the amount or value thereof.
§ 11-16. Bill by loser; repayment discharges winner from punishment.
Such loser may file a bill in equity against such winner, who shall answer the same, and upon discovery and repayment of the money or property so won, or its value, such winner shall be discharged from any forfeiture or punishment which he may have incurred for winning the same.
§ 18.2-325. Definitions.
1. "Illegal gambling" means the making, placing or receipt, of any bet or wager in this Commonwealth of money or other thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake or other consideration or thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest or any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance, whether such game, contest or event, occurs or is to occur inside or outside the limits of this Commonwealth.
2. "Interstate gambling" means the conduct of an enterprise for profit which engages in the purchase or sale within the Commonwealth of any interest in a lottery of another state or country whether or not such interest is an actual lottery ticket, receipt, contingent promise to pay, order to purchase, or other record of such interest.
3. "Gambling device" includes:
a. Any device, machine, paraphernalia, equipment, or other thing, including books, records and other papers, which are actually used in an illegal gambling operation or activity, and
b. Any machine, apparatus, implement, instrument, contrivance, board or other thing, including but not limited to those dependent upon the insertion of a coin or other object for their operation, which operates, either completely automatically or with the aid of some physical act by the player or operator, in such a manner that, depending upon elements of chance, it may eject something of value or determine the prize or other thing of value to which the player is entitled; provided, however, that the return to the user of nothing more than additional chances or the right to use such machine is not deemed something of value within the meaning of this subsection; and provided further, that machines that only sell, or entitle the user to, items of merchandise of equivalent value that may differ from each other in composition, size, shape or color, shall not be deemed gambling devices within the meaning of this subsection.
Such devices are no less gambling devices if they indicate beforehand the definite result of one or more operations but not all the operations. Nor are they any less a gambling device because, apart from their use or adaptability as such, they may also sell or deliver something of value on a basis other than chance.
4. "Operator" includes any person, firm or association of persons, who conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs or owns all or part of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation.
§ 18.2-326. Penalty for illegal gambling.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person who illegally gambles or engages in interstate gambling as defined in §18.2-325 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. If an association or pool of persons illegally gamble, each person therein shall be guilty of illegal gambling.
§ 18.2-327. Winning by fraud; penalty.
If any person while gambling cheats or by fraudulent means wins or acquires for himself or another money or any other valuable thing, he shall be fined not less than five nor more than ten times the value of such winnings. This penalty shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed under this article.
§ 18.2-328. Conducting illegal gambling operation; penalties.
The operator of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, any such operator who engages in an illegal gambling operation which (i) has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days or (ii) has gross revenue of $2,000 or more in any single day shall be fined not more than $20,000 and imprisoned not less than one year nor more than ten years.
As used in this section, the term "gross revenue" means the total amount of illegal gambling transactions handled, dealt with, received by or placed with such operation, as distinguished from any net figure or amount from which deductions are taken, without regard to whether money or any other thing of value actually changes hands.
§ 18.2-329. Owners, etc., of gambling place permitting its continuance; penalty.
If the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in control of any place or conveyance, knows, or reasonably should know, that it is being used for illegal gambling, and permits such gambling to continue without having notified a law-enforcement officer of the presence of such illegal gambling activity, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-330. Accessories to gambling activity; penalty.
Any person, firm or association of persons, other than those persons specified in other sections of this article, who knowingly aids, abets or assists in the operation of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-331. Illegal possession, etc., of gambling device; penalty.
A person is guilty of illegal possession of a gambling device when he manufactures, sells, transports, rents, gives away, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of any gambling device, believing or having reason to believe that the same is to be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-332. Certain acts not deemed "consideration" in prosecution under this article.
In any prosecution under this article, no consideration shall be deemed to have passed or been given because of any person's attendance upon the premises of another; his execution, mailing or delivery of an entry blank; his answering of questions, verbally or in writing; his witnessing of a demonstration or other proceeding; or any one or more thereof, where no charge is made to, paid by, or any purchase required of him in connection therewith.
§ 18.2-333. Exceptions to article; certain sporting events.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent any contest of speed or skill between men, animals, fowl or vehicles, where participants may receive prizes or different percentages of a purse, stake or premium dependent upon whether they win or lose or dependent upon their position or score at the end of such contest.
Any participant who, for the purpose of competing for any such purse, stake or premium offered in any such contest, knowingly and fraudulently enters any contestant other than the contestant purported to be entered or knowingly and fraudulently enters a contestant in a class in which it does not belong, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2-334. Exception to article; private residences.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in a game of chance conducted in a private residence, provided such private residence is not commonly used for such games of chance and there is no operator as defined in subsection 4 of § 18.2-325.
§ 18.2-334.2. Same; bingo games, raffles and duck races conducted by certain organizations.
Nothing in this article shall apply to any bingo game, instant bingo, raffle, or duck race conducted solely by organizations as defined in § 18.2-340.16 which have received a permit as set forth in § 18.2-340.25, or which are exempt from the permit requirement under § 18.2-340.23.
§ 18.2-334.3. Exemptions to article; state lottery.
Nothing in this article shall apply to any lottery conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 58.1.
§ 18.2-334.4. Exemptions to article; pari-mutuel wagering.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering conducted in accordance with Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1.
§ 18.2-336. Forfeiture of money, gambling devices, etc., seized from illegal gambling enterprise; innocent owners or lienors.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995.
§ 18.2-337. Immunity of witnesses from prosecution.
No witness called by the Commonwealth or by the court, giving evidence either before the grand jury or in any prosecution under this article, shall ever be prosecuted for the offense being prosecuted concerning which he testifies. Such witness shall be compelled to testify and for refusing to do so may be punished for contempt.
§ 18.2-338. Enforcement of § 18.2-331 by Governor and Attorney General.
If it shall come to the knowledge of the Governor that § 18.2-331 is not being enforced in any county, city or town, the Governor may call upon the Attorney General to direct its enforcement in such county, city or town, and thereupon the Attorney General may instruct the attorney for the Commonwealth, sheriff and chief of police, if any, of such county, or the attorney for the Commonwealth and chief of police of such city, or the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county in which such town is located and the chief of police or sergeant of such town, to take such steps as may be necessary to insure the enforcement of such section in such county, city or town, and if any such officers, after receiving such instructions, shall thereafter fail or refuse to exercise diligence in the enforcement of § 18.2-331, the Attorney General shall make report thereof in writing to the Governor and to the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the acts thereby prohibited, and thereupon the Attorney General upon being directed so to do by the Governor, shall take such steps as he may deem proper in directing the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings, to secure the enforcement of § 18.2-331.
§ 18.2-339. Enjoining offenses relating to gambling.
Whenever any person shall be engaged in committing, or in permitting to be committed, or shall be about to commit, or permit, any act prohibited by any one or more of the sections in this article, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such act is being, or is about to be, committed or permitted, or the Attorney General of the Commonwealth, may institute and maintain a suit in equity in the appropriate court, in the name of the Commonwealth, upon the relation of such attorney for the Commonwealth, or the Attorney General, to enjoin and restrain such person from committing, or permitting, such prohibited act or acts. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for injunctions, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein.
§ 18.2-340. County ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling.
The governing body of any county may adopt ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling and other illegal activity related thereto, including provision for forfeiture proceedings in the name of the county. Such ordinances shall not conflict with the provisions of this article or with other state laws and any penalties provided for violation of such ordinances shall not exceed a fine of $2,500 or confinement in jail for twelve months, either or both.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
poopstick
()
Date: August 16, 2011 04:13PM
Yeah, I'm really sure you lost $100,000...
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Alan
()
Date: August 17, 2011 09:27AM
At Eden Center the restaurants are busy and business is as usual. A couple of new restaurants look like they are almost ready to open. The police action last week affected some cafes, but not the restaurants, jewelry stores, etc.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
WingNut
()
Date: August 17, 2011 09:32AM
What ever happened to the Tiny Rascal Gangsters?
idontlikebeingrightaboutshitlikethisbutiam
Edited 21 time(s). Last edit at 5/31/1967 05:57AM by WingNut.
Last edit at 11/30/2015 01:37PM Last edit at 5/14/2015 03:52PM Last edit at 1/28/2014 05:57AM Last edit at 11/29/2015 01:10PM Last edit at 3/14/2011 11:52PM Last edit at 7/20/2012 04:07AM
Last edit at 6/29/2013 11:18PM Last edit at 3/19/2011 01:02PM Last edit at 3/26/2012 09:07PM
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
GANGSR418YROLDS
()
Date: August 17, 2011 07:24PM
Damn fuckin straight, get these motherfuckin gangs off the goddamn street. Especially this one. i've known about them for years, hopefully they allget locked the fuck up. bitchass niggas.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Titanic
()
Date: August 24, 2011 09:26AM
I have a better idea..how about deporting them back to Hanoi.
Actually deport anyone who is a disrupt to the society citizens or non-citizens..
Actually deport anyone who is a disrupt to the society citizens or non-citizens..
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
Snapple
()
Date: August 24, 2011 10:28AM
Gambling is evil and wrong. Nobody should gamble. They should put their money towards wholesome, legal endeavors such as the state lottery.
Re: Falls Church - VA. Gang Task Force Busts Dragon Family Gambling Ring
Posted by:
ADAM
()
Date: September 14, 2011 05:20AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-state-of-nova/post/falls-churchs-eden-center-controversy-heating-up/2011/09/13/gIQAAx1QQK_blog.html
Read this link to have a better understanding because some of things could be exasgerated by the cops. Please stop with all of the racist remarks. There's no need for that.
Read this link to have a better understanding because some of things could be exasgerated by the cops. Please stop with all of the racist remarks. There's no need for that.