Quick Poll

Is Memorial Day an 'off day' for you or a 'work day' with your business open?

Recent Polls

Blogs

Angela McRae

Tea with friends

Deberah Williams

Everyday Finesse

Lorrie Lynch

Who's News

Published Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in Local

Special

This screen is from of one of the machines at the bust. “They claim it’s a sweepstakes, but if you make money, you can cash in,” said Maj. James Yarbrough of Coweta Sheriff’s Office. “That is gambling.”

Internet Cafe busted on Pine Road

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

Authorities with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office busted an Internet cafe south of Newnan recently after an undercover officer determined the business was actually being run as a gambling operation.

The business, Internet Cafe, is located off U.S. 29 South on Pine Road, according to Major James Yarbrough of the sheriff's office.

An undercover officer with the Newnan-Coweta Crime Suppression Unit visited the site on several occasions to observe operations. The officer signed in and paid $40 to play slots at computer gaming stations.

"They claim it's a sweepstakes, but if you make money, you can cash in," said Yarbrough. "That is gambling."

Timmy Millikin, of Laurinburg, N.C., was operating the business and living in Internet Cafe on an air mattress. Millikin was arrested on April 22 following the execution of a search warrant. He was charged with commercial gambling and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities seized 21 computer gaming stations and $3,800 in cash, according to Yarbrough.

Although Millikin was operating Internet Cafe, the business license is held by someone in Bennettsville, S.C., according to the major.

"We're looking at that, too," said Yarbrough. The sheriff's office will ultimately let the Coweta Circuit District Attorney's office decide whether to pursue additional charges in the case.

To report suspicious activity, call the county's anonymous tip line, 770-253-2324.