
Video Poker 247
- Video Poker Has Its Day in Court
March 25th is video poker day at the courts, and when Sheriff Bobby
Medford’s trial starts. Medford is accused of running an illegal video
poker gambling business, and could be facing fines and jail time if
convicted. Video poker has long been a problem in North Carolina, but
federal agents have decided to crack down on it. They have made many
arrests, but no one expected law enforcement officials to be part of
the package.
Medford remains in jail along with three of his deputies awaiting
trial. They could all face trial in March, and all are accused of
accepting protection money from illegal video poker operators. They
would simply turn a blind eye to the illegal video poker games in
return for cash payments.
Jack W. “Jackie” Shepherd has also been indicted in conjunction with
the illegal video poker ring, as well as his son and stepson. All are
free from jail awaiting trial. Shepherd owns the establishment known
as Western Amusement. He is a video poker operator who is accused of
making illegal cash payouts from various video poker machines in
Buncombe and Madison County.
Officials say that he would take the payouts from the video poker
machines and then split the profits with the store owners.
His son, Harold Denver Shepherd and his stepson, Jackie Dwayne Jenkins
II, both appeared in federal court on Friday. Their lawyer does not
think that they will face trial as both have been very cooperative
with federal agents. They are accused of making illegal cash payments
to the video poker gamblers.
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January 2008 Archive