4 to face gambling charges

Staff report

WARREN

Freeway Lanes Bowling Group, 2700 Parkman Road N.W., was allowing more than bowling, according to Ohio and Warren law- enforcement personnel.

Four people were charged Thursday after a search warrant was executed by the Ohio Investigative Unit. The unit is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, which enforces Ohio liquor, tobacco and food-stamp laws.

The unit had received complaints of illegal gambling at the location.

Items seized during the search-warrant executions include 20 gambling machines, gambling paraphernalia, documents and $5,187.

A second search warrant also was executed at 2001 Southern Blvd., a tanning store in Warren.

The individuals charged criminally were:

David Patz, 49, of Garfield Heights, two counts of operating a gambling house.

Glenn Gable, 44, of Shaker Heights, two counts of operating a gambling house.

Steven Scarpaci, 36, of Niles, gambling tip tickets or machines.

Kelli Sylvester, 29, of Boardman, gambling tip tickets or machines.

“Liquor-permit premises know that gambling is not permitted, and we will continue to enforce the liquor laws in the state of Ohio,” said Glenn Taylor, OIU executive director.

The liquor permit also was cited administratively for three counts of gambling/acquiring, possessing, control or operation of a gambling device; three counts of gambling with an electronic video- gambling device; three counts of gambling/operating a gambling house; and two counts of gambling recklessly in permitting public gaming.

The citations will be presented to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission. Possible penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of the liquor permit.