PATRICK CHANG, 56, businessman, of Lyndhurst Crescent, Kingston 5, and six other persons who the police say are his employees, are to appear in the Corporate Area Criminal Court at Half-Way Tree today charged with breaching the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act.
Chang is charged with possession of drop pan tickets and conspiracy to defraud. The others charged are: Natasha Graham, 21, of Nelson Road, Kingston 13; John Ziadie, 48, of Hope Boulevard, Kingston 6; Dilando and Annie Nerahoo of Marl Road, Kingston 11; Omar Nerahoo, 33, of Molynes Road, Kingston 19, and Junior Lyn of Glen Drive, Kingston 8.
They were arrested following a tip to the police, which led to an operation directed led by Det. Sgt. Charlie Hill and other members of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries law enforcement team, which swooped down on premises at 5 Lyndhurst Cresent shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday. The operation was assisted by Jamaica Defence Force helicopters.
According to the police, Mr. Chang and his employees were found in possession of drop pan tickets and other documents relating to unlawful gambling.
It is alleged that an "illegal version" of the day-to-day "Cash Pot" draw was taking place at the location. In this version of the game patrons purchase tickets from illegal vendors, who pay big dividends to the patrons who win.
