AG Uthmeier announces 'Operation Sunset Stakes' and new task force, 11 arrests made in illegal gambling scheme

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the completion of “Operation Sunset Stakes,” an illegal gaming investigation that yielded the arrest of 11 people.

On Wednesday, Uthmeier, along with Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, and Florida Gaming Control Commission Chair Julie Brown, shared the results of Operation Sunset Stakes.

In total, 479 illegal gambling machines and $294,000 in illegal proceeds were seized by the state attorney and local county sheriff’s offices, led by the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno shared Lee County’s contribution to the operation, stating that over $107,000, 226 machines, and six arrests have been made.

In Collier County, $187,000, 253 machines, and five arrests have been made, bringing the total to the figure previously mentioned by Uthmeier at the beginning of the conference.

Officials also announced a new law enforcement task force is now targeting illegal arcades across Southwest Florida, and investigators say it could dramatically increase the number of raids and arrests in the region.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission launched the task force specifically to shut down illegal arcade operations locally. The new division brings additional squads and personnel to the area.

According to the commission, the task force could increase illegal arcade investigations by 66%.

FGCC Chair Julie Brown said the effort is a direct message to those running illegal operations.

"We're going to have a team here that's going to be boots on the ground to protect the communities," Julie said. "We're expanding our resources, we've got these proven partners right behind us and throughout the state, and we are coming after you."

Local and state leaders also mentioned how penalties are not harsh enough. A bill in Tallahassee that would have increased criminal penalties for illegal gaming failed this session.

"We'll be working hard to get our legislation to step up and heighten these penalties to felonies, where people will be serious time," James Uthmeier, FL Attorney General, said. "Unfortunately, this last session wasn't the most productive. They didn't get it done."

The bill would have made operating an illegal gambling establishment a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Currently, the offense is only a misdemeanor.

No new bill has been filed yet, but WINK Investigates will continue to monitor any legislative developments.