Gambling probe targets Ohio Internet cafes

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Authorities investigating gambling in Ohio have served search warrants at numerous Internet cafes and other locations in seven counties in central and southwest parts of the state.

Marysville police in Union County say authorities executed search warrants at 10 locations today as part of a nearly yearlong investigation by a multiagency task force. Police say sweepstakes and Internet cafe locations, a bank, a motel and a home were searched.

The searches were conducted in Union, Shelby, Hardin, Butler, Montgomery, Franklin and Logan counties.

Police say the task force has been investigating allegations of Ohio gambling law violations and allegations of illegal bingo and money laundering.

Police said in a release they expected to seize multiple gambling machines, as well as financial and other records named in the warrants.