Alleged distributors of illegal slots targeted in Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — Prosecutors in Cleveland say eight people and two businesses have been indicted on racketeering charges for allegedly distributing illegal video slot machines to Ohio bars.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday that the defendants are each charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The indictment also includes gambling counts and other charges.

The 159-count indictment accuses the individuals and vending companies of making millions of dollars off the proceeds of the illegal machines that were installed mostly in bars in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Lake, Ashland and Wayne counties.

Earlier this month, a Wisconsin company and its owner pleaded guilty to selling thousands of video slot machines and machine components to bars and businesses in Ohio.