Arrest Warrants Could Come Next in Sweepstakes Cafe Battle

Owners of Palm Harbor internet sweepstakes cafes can't say they weren't warned. Their cafes are now locked up, the lights are off, and if you look inside, you'll see empty tables and chairs where customers once sat playing the controversial games. 

Pinellas County Sheriff, Jim Coats has launched the latest salvo in the battle over internet sweepstakes cafes in Palm Harbor. 

Thursday, deputies simultaneously raided three internet sweepstakes cafes in Pinellas County. Two raids were at Palm Harbor cafes: Reel Fun, 36157 US 19 and Palm Harbor Internet Services, 38541 US 19; and the third was at the Southern Play Arcade, located at 10623 117th Dr. N. in unincorporated Largo.

Deputies seized 200 computers during the raids and confiscated $20,000 in cash.

"It lives up to our promise of what we said we'd do," Sheriff Coats told Palm Harbor Patch. 

Coats was referring to a letter he sent to the owners of Pinellas County internet sweepstakes cafes back in May. In the letter, Coats cited Florida Gambling Statutes 849.15, 849.16 and 849.01 claiming the owners of the cafes were operating businesses that used illegal coin-operated gambling devices.

Coats warned that if the businesses were still operating in 15 days, the sheriff's office could investigate further. He also mentioned that charges had been filed in similar circumstances.

After Coats sent the letter, the owner of Palm Harbor's Fun City internet sweepstakes cafe, State Rep. Peter Nehr, R-Palm Harbor, sold his business. It is now owned by Megan and Tim Crisante, who renamed the business, Palm Harbor Internet Services.

The owner of Palm Harbor's Reel Fun internet sweepstake cafe took a different approach. Charles Bartlett dug in his heels, hired an attorney, and unsuccessfully fought the sheriff in court.

But, the move could prove to be costly. In addition to paying an attorney for the court battle, Thursday's raids will most likely stop the cash flow for the Reel Fun internet cafe. It appears as though the money-making computers won't be returned anytime soon.

"All computers will be considered contraband and not likely returned to the owners," said Coats.

The sheriff also told Palm Harbor Patch that he expects the State Attorney's Office to review the evidence seized and issue arrest warrants.

"I feel confident that charges will be forthcoming," he said.

If charges are filed, it won't be the first time the Crisante family has ended up in court over internet sweepstakes cafes they've owned. Back in October of 2010, a Marion County jury found Jeaneen Crisante -the stepmother of Palm Harbor Internet Services' owner Megan Cristante- not guilty of operating a gambling house and possessing slot machines. Supporters of internet sweepstakes cafes often cite the Marion County case when defending the legality of the controversial businesses. 

As for the Crisante family's new business venture, consultant Dave Bogansky says Palm Harbor Internet Services is 100 percent compliant with the law. "We have made sure the business complies with the sweepstakes law in Florida," he said.

A sign on the locked front door of the business that says, "Temporariy Closed We Will See You Soon" echoes Bogansky's confidence.

But, Sheriff Coats has a different take on it, "They don't understand or get the message, they're willing to take the additional risk," he said.