*** MEDIA ADVISORY *** December 24, 2005                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GAMBLING INVESTIGATION AT LOCAL TAVERNS MEDIA CONTACT:  Bill Wargo, 296-1888                         On Friday the 23rd of December two investigators with the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and two officers of the Indiana State Excise Police conducted investigatory visits at two local taverns. The Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has received complaints about illegal gambling at these two locations in the form of “football cards”. These cards are the source of illegal wagering on professional football.  Evidence of this illegal activity was found at each location. In addition the Excise officers issued citations for administrative violations, such as; expired permits, improperly stored alcoholic beverages, and expired or non existent required permits for employees, as well as citations for the gambling activities. Cash and other evidence were seized. The two locations were:Lakeshore Grill, 51330 SR 19, Elkhart. This location was cited for illegal gambling, expired or non existent employee permits and improper storage of alcohol. Approximately $1200 dollars was seized. The owner, Cam Snyder was contacted by employees; however he did not come to the establishment as requested.Malcom’s Pub, 1125 W. Beardsley, Elkhart was also cited for illegal gambling. Approximately $4000 was seized at that location. In addition the bar manager, William Bissell III, age 29, of 1722 B Fortino Court, Elkhart, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana. The owner of the bar Roger Malcom met with the officers and received the citations personally.All of the information will be reviewed by Prosecutor Curtis T. Hill Jr. to determine if criminal charges will be filed in addition to the administrative violations. The investigation is ongoing and will continue. “These types of investigations are conducted based on complaints received by our office, historically the motivation seems to be when someone loses money on illegal gambling at these licensed establishments”, according to Bill Wargo, chief investigator with the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.  ***