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On 10/3/08 at approximately 2145 hours, members of the Narcotics / Vice Suppression Unit, the Special Projects Unit, and the Emergency Response Team served a “gambling” search warrant at 704-A Festus Ave. Once the location was secured, the officers proceeded to charge 39 patrons with illegal gambling. For evidentiary purposes, officers collected playing cards, poker chips, and cash (approximately $12,000.00). Additionally, poker tables, flat screen TVs, surveillance cameras, and other gambling paraphernalia were confiscated.
In addition to the gambling charges, one patron, John Preston Melvin (27 years of age), was charged with Trafficking Opium / Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Marijuana. Furthermore, three handguns were found in vehicles being driven by patrons.
The owner of the Yadkin Road Poker House, Christian Patrick Lusardi (36 years of age) was charged with gambling and illegal alcohol sales. His mother, Diana Lusardi, was also charged with illegal gambling. The Unit seized $6,000.00 - $7,000.00 from Lusardi at the scene and they seized an additional $3,000.00 - $4,000.00 from his residence, located at 2537 Lullwater Drive in Fayetteville. A picture of Christian Lusardi is attached to this press release.
The following patrons were charged with illegal gambling:
Adams Michael 36
Anderson Joshua 24
Best Aaron 26
Blankenship Jonah 43
Bunce Rufus 46
Bungo Justin 22
Carter Jonathan 46
Cashwell Larry 35
Cole Vincent 24
Davis Joshua 21
Davis Titus 33
Ferguson Joshua 24
Fields Michael 24
Green Kenneth 32
Green Denise 38
Griffin Deshaune 21
Hall Lori 42
Jesus Villanueva 22
Jimenez Gabriel 41
Johnson Jeremie 24
Krick Kyle 23
Lee Robert 23
Lowther Gary 19
Melvin John 27
O’Conner Brendan 24
Pope Terrance 39
Powers Parrish 36
Quick James 41
Richburg Julius 25
Ross Robert 33
Scott Walter 26
Shadmoni David 20
Sheridan Shaheim 22
Taylor Charles 23
Toogood Myuna 69
Whetton Cory 27
Williams Roderick 25
Williams Kevin 37
Williams Anthony 44
Several of the charged patrons were members of the military, but Ft. Bragg’s Criminal Investigative Division declined to respond to the scene.
In closing, The Fayetteville Police Department is taking a pro-active approach to dealing with gambling issues within the City of Fayetteville. If you have any information on a illegal gambling establishment, please call 910-433-1553.
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