SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced on Wednesday that her office has filed two felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling and a civil action against the Briarwood One Stop convenience store in Brookline, Greene County. The store is accused of housing 12 illegal slot machines.
Criminal Charges and Civil Action
The charges, which were filed against the managing officer of the business, Himanshu Patel, follow an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control. The Attorney General’s office worked in coordination with the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to bring both the criminal charges and the civil suit.
The lawsuit alleges that Briarwood One Stop allowed illegal gambling on its premises, violating Missouri’s Merchandising Practices Act and nuisance laws.
Attorney General’s Statement and Actions Sought
In addition to seeking criminal punishment for Patel, Attorney General Hanaway is requesting a permanent injunction to prevent the business from continuing to offer gambling services.
“Businesses that allow illegal gambling to operate under their roofs are making a deliberate choice to put profit over public safety,” Hanaway said in her statement. “My office is committed to dismantling illegal gaming operations, ensuring they have no place in our communities. We will enforce the law and protect our neighborhoods in every county.”
Support from Local Authorities
Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson expressed his support for the statewide initiative, describing the case as part of a broader effort to address illegal gambling in Missouri.
“Attorney General Hanaway’s statewide initiative is exactly the kind of coordinated effort needed to tackle illegal gambling devices at scale,” Patterson said. “My office is proud to support that effort here in Greene County.”
Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams also weighed in, expressing hope that these charges will serve as a warning to other businesses that have not complied with Springfield’s 2024 ordinance against illegal gambling machines.
“The convenience stores, gas stations, bars, restaurants, the places that have had these machines, have continued to basically thumb their nose at our local ordinance,” Williams said. “It’s been very frustrating for us and for our citizens. So I’m extremely excited and pleased that we now have the additional resources from the state to take additional action against these places, in the hopes that that will then finally convince them to take the machines out, comply with the law, and give our citizens a little peace of mind in some of these neighborhoods.”
Torch Electronics and Legal Context
Attorney General Hanaway confirmed that the illegal slot machines in question were manufactured by Torch Electronics, a company that has been involved in ongoing legal battles in Missouri.
Torch Electronics has yet to provide a response to requests for comment on the matter.
The Civil Petition
The civil petition filed against Briarwood One Stop can be read online, outlining the legal steps being taken to address the illegal gambling activities.
Key Details of the Case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Briarwood One Stop, Brookline, Greene County |
| Accused Managing Officer | Himanshu Patel |
| Charges Filed | Two felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling |
| Machines Involved | 12 illegal slot machines |
| Company Manufacturing Machines | Torch Electronics (under legal scrutiny in Missouri) |
| Action Sought | Permanent injunction, criminal penalties |
| Investigation | Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control |
The Missouri Attorney General’s office is taking strong action against illegal gambling operations, with Briarwood One Stop at the center of a significant case involving illegal slot machines. Local authorities have voiced their support for the statewide initiative to combat illegal gaming and protect public safety. As this case progresses, it may set an important precedent for how illegal gambling operations are handled in Missouri.
