Ayman Jadallah, Joao Fernandes, Guillermo Schloeler, Martin Fernandez, Justo Lopez, and Maiek Brouri, all of Miami, Florida, were arrested Thursday for allegedly keeping illegal gambling machines at their various businesses, news sources report. The suspects were all booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail on charges of possession of illegal gambling machines. It is unclear whether they qualified for bail bond. Reports did not mention whether any of the suspects have obtained defense lawyers.
According to reports, the Miami Police Department began investigating various businesses for illegal gambling machines sometime earlier this year. Illegal gambling machines simply consist of gambling machines in locations where gambling is not permitted. The investigation led to the six arrests on Thursday and the seizure of 10 gambling machines, sources say. The investigation may be ongoing and police may make additional arrests. So far, the Miami Police Department has not released a statement regarding the arrests or the investigation.
- Maiek Brouri, one of the suspects, is the proprietor of Food Mini Market on Northwest 2nd Street. Police found three illegal gambling machines at the store, sources say.
- Fernandes, another one of the arrestees, is the owner of the Marathon fuel station on Southwest 8th Street. During the police operation, detectives allegedly located two illegal gambling machines on the property.
- Schloeler runs the Sunflex Fuel gas station on West Flagler Street. Police found one illegal gambling machine on the premises, reports say.
- Fernandez is the operator of the Laundro Mat on Southwest 8th Street. Reports say that officers located one illegal gambling machine at the business.
- Jadallah had one illegal gambling machine at his place of business, which reports did not identify.
- Detectives also found another illegal gambling machine at the Loft Cafeteria on Northeast 2nd Avenue. It is unclear who the proprietor of that business was, although Lopez is the only suspect left unaccounted for.
In other news, Jimyis Maultsby, Daevon Fluker, and Travis Goodine of Miami Gardens were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly shot Jean Francois, a security guard, during an armed robbery, sources say. Francois sustained non-life threatening injuries in the alleged shooting. Maultsby, 14, Fluker, 18, and Goodine, 17 were booked into police custody on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and attempted armed robbery. It is not yet known whether the trio has qualified for bail or hired legal representation.