After a three-month investigation, three Rhode Island men have been apprehended for operating illegal video lottery terminals in Providence and Smithfield, according to WJAR.
According to a press release from the Rhode Island State Police, the investigation included surveillance of North Providence resident Edward Perrotta, 72. It captured his travel to the Toscan Social Club in Providence during early morning hours each Tuesday.
The investigation resulted in the issuance of search warrants for Perrotta's vehicle, the Toscan Social Club, as well as Avalon Entertainment, which is located in Smithfield.
On Tuesday around 10 a.m., authorities executed the search warrant at the Toscan Social Club while Perrotta, as well as another suspect, Providence resident Gregory Fleury, 47, were inside the building.
The search resulted in the seizure of a video lottery machine, $8,492, as well as multiple betting slips and ledgers.
Perrotta and Fleury were taken into custody at the club. Police also seized $13,000 from Perrotta's vehicle.
After securing the club, members of the investigative team then searched Avalon Entertainment. Perrotta's son, John Perrotta, 48, who also lives in North Providence, was in the building during the investigation, which resulted in the seizure of about 30 additional illegal video lottery terminals and $92,116.
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The men were arraigned and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. They are scheduled to appear for a pre-arraignment conference on June 8, 2015 in Superior Court in Providence.
