Illegal Slot Machines in Clarksdale

Messenger’s Pool Hall was the site of a raid just recently, with police discovered slot machines as well as other gaming devices in the establishment. George Messenger, the owner of the pool hall, was charged with two counts of possessing, displaying, and operating slot machines or similar gaming devices.

His brother, Duane Herbert Messenger, who lives at Messenger’s home, was charged with one count of the same. Investigators raided the pool hall Wednesday night and seized the slot machines and the cash that they found. The Messengers appeared in court on Thursday and their court date is set for May 23rd at 11 am.

The investigators were from the State Attorney General’s Public Integrity Division. They also raided Renova’s Stop & Go, and took 20 slot machines, of which they kept one and destroyed the other nineteen, some cash, and arrested E.V. Wilson, Bruce Jackson, Howard Wilson, and Minnie Winfield. All but Howard Wilson pled guilty to the charges and were fined $500 per count, plus court costs and they have to spend 30 days in jail. Howard Wilson’s court date is set for June 12th.

The court was quick to remind them that the first time you are caught possessing and operating illegal slot machines it is a misdemeanor. However, the second time you are caught it is a felony charge.

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