New Jersey, October 8: the Trenton Police Department and the New Jersey State Police seized 73 digital slot machines and more than US$100,000 in cash after an 11-month investigation into a network operating across 32 locations in Trenton. The operation was carried out on October 5, with Harry B. Almonte, 33, of Philadelphia, identified as the main suspect.
The machines were installed in bodegas, convenience stores, barbershops and other local businesses. Investigators allege that Almonte placed the devices, collected the proceeds and deposited between US$16,000 and US$50,000 per month into bank accounts. A receipt linked to the investigation also showed one machine had taken in US$25,000 in cash.
Jeanne Hengemuhle
The raids involved the Trenton Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau, its Alcohol and Beverage Control unit, the New Jersey State Police Financial Crimes Unit, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and police departments from Hopewell Township, Ewing Township, West Windsor and Robbinsville. The Philadelphia Police Department arrested Almonte in Pennsylvania, where officers also found three semiautomatic handguns and more than half a pound of marijuana.
Jennifer Davenport
In New Jersey, Almonte faces charges including maintenance of a gambling resort, possession of gambling devices, promoting gambling and money laundering. Business owners where the machines were found received complaint summonses for allegedly maintaining gambling establishments and possessing illegal gaming devices.
The legal framework is based on Title 2C, Chapter 37 of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. N.J.S. 2C:37-4, strengthened by P.L. 2025, Chapter 128, upgraded maintaining a gambling resort to a third-degree offense and allows fines of up to US$50,000 for physical establishments. N.J.S. 2C:37-2 on promoting gambling and 2C:37-7 on possession of gambling devices also apply.
The Trenton Police Department is led by Steve Wilson, with Peter Szpakowski heading the Criminal Investigation Bureau. The New Jersey State Police is led by Jeanne Hengemuhle as Acting Superintendent, while the state Attorney General is Jennifer Davenport.
