An anonymous tip led to the arrest of a Limestone County grocer on misdemeanor charges of possessing an illegal gaming device and selling cigarettes without a license.
Agents with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board arrested Johnny “Travis” Posey, 29, at his store — Posey’s Grocery on U.S. 72 West — about 6:30 a.m. Friday, said District 4 Sgt. John Venegoni.
They seized as evidence 16 gambling slot machines containing $8,129 in cash and $4,000 worth of cigarettes, he said.
The grocery had a room in the back that could only be entered by those who knew the key code, Venegoni said.
“They let people go back there and play the slot machines,” he said. “The store was open but the room in back was locked and someone was back there.”
After checking the gambler’s background for outstanding warrants, he was released, Venegoni said. He was not playing at a game when the agents entered the room, he explained.
Posey was charged with one count of possessing an illegal gaming device and selling cigarettes without a license.
An anonymous tip triggered a six-month investigation of activities at the store, Venegoni said.
“Our main focus is alcohol licensing and sales to minors, tobacco and narcotics, but we occasionally run into gambling,” Venegoni said.
