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15 Arrested In 'Operation Jackpot'

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — At least 15 people were arrested and hundreds of video gambling machines were confiscated as part of "Operation Jackpot."

Channel 2 Action News investigative reporter Mark Winne was there as the raids went down in Clayton and Rockdale counties.

"It's illegal to pay out. We don't pay out," said one man, as he was taken away in handcuffs outside the headquarters for All-Star Inc. in Rockdale County.

"It's a huge investigation," said Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough.

Kimbrough said the All-Star warehouse contained both legal and illegal machines.

"Anytime one of these machines is utilized such that the winner gets a cash payout, then that is the offense of commercial gambling," said Kimbrough.

All-Star Inc. was one of about 13 locations hit with search warrants simultaneously, including the 43-acre Rockdale home of All-Star owner Larry Simmons and nine retail locations in Clayton County, like the Irish Bred Pub and Grill in Rex.

Kimbrough alleges undercover officers were paid gambling winnings in cash at Irish Bred and retail operators.

Simmons and two employees also face gambling charges.