Modesto Police Raid Illegal Casinos Posing As Internet Cafes And Arrest 12

MODESTO (CBS13) - Twelve people were arrested Thursday in connection with internet cafes posing as storefronts for illegal casinos in Modesto.

Police began investigating these businesses two months ago after receiving complaints regarding public intoxication, fighting in public and gang members loitering around the cafes.

With the assistance of the California Department of Justice, Modesto police served search warrants at two locations on McHenry Avenue.

Officers found several patrons at the businesses gaming on computers. Between both locations, 64 computers and $7,360 in cash were seized.

The 12 arrested were:

• Heather Reid, 37 years-old of Modesto, booked for illegal gambling.
• Theodore Vierra, 32 years-old of Modesto, cited for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Giliana Benyamin, 49 years-old of Modesto, booked for possession of methamphetamine.
• James Van Buskirk, 33 years-old of Modesto, booked for possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation.
• Timothy Coulter, 32 years-old of Modesto, booked for a burglary warrant with a bail of $100,500.
• Jeffrey Qualls, 34 years-old of Modesto, booked for illegal gambling, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.
• Billy Cheatham, 43 years-old of Modesto, booked for possession of methamphetamine and a parole violation.
• Christian Boss, 31 years-old of Sacramento, cited for illegal gambling
• Kelsey Carver, 26 years-old of Modesto, booked for a parole violation.
• Bradley Jarrell, 49 years-old of Modesto, booked for possession of methamphetamine and two warrants with a bail of $65,500.
• Chelsie Leanoro 31 years-old of Modesto, cited for illegal gambling
• Albert Baker 50 years-old of Modesto, booked for possession of methamphetamine.

The investigation is ongoing.