Harrison Woman Arrested in Illegal Gambling Investigation

A 62-year-old Harrison resident, Sarah Hacker, has been arrested following a police investigation into the operation of illegal gambling machines. The arrest, made Wednesday morning, follows a series of raids conducted in June at two neighboring businesses.

The investigation began on April 1 after Harrison Police conducted a traffic stop of a man leaving the Internet Café and Sweepstakes located at 125 Industrial Park Road. During the stop, officers discovered $620 in cash. The man informed police that the money was a payout for a woman who had won while playing gaming machines at the establishment. This tip prompted further investigation into the business's operations.

According to police affidavits, a former employee revealed that Hacker managed a sophisticated unlicensed gaming system. Customers would give Hacker cash, which she would then credit to their accounts on the business's computers to be used on gaming machines. To avoid paying business taxes, Hacker reportedly paid out winnings in cash or through digital payment platforms, including PayPal, Chime, CashApp, and Venmo. The employee also stated that Hacker accepted valuables, such as rings, from customers who lacked cash. These items were then taken to pawn shops to generate liquid funds. Additionally, the employee alleged that they were paid exclusively in cash to avoid the issuance of 1099 tax forms.

On June 8, Harrison Police and the 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the location. Officers found individuals actively using slot-machine-style computers and seized various items Hacker had accepted as payment, including gold, silver coins, foreign currency, and trading cards.

Hacker faces one felony charge for keeping a gaming house and three misdemeanor charges related to the possession and operation of illegal gaming devices. She has been released after posting a $25,000 bond.

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