For about a year, Miami-Dade Police say they investigated a tip alleging that sports gambling and slot machines, or "maquinitas," were illegally paying customers out of a Southwest Miami-Dade cafeteria.
Their investigation got hands on Wednesday, after a group of undercover officers raided the OK Minimarket on the 3000 block of Southwest 107th Avenue, arresting five suspects on several charges.
"In the rear section of the cafeteria, there were several coin-operated machines," Miami-Dade Police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta said. "In fact, when the detectives were executing the search warrant, there were several people gambling once the officers entered the room."
Detectives seized several prohibited machines and over $4,000 in cash in the raid, which took several customers by surprise.
"I was having a soda, they walked in. I just visiting here," William Rhodes said.
"I come here to get coffee, but that's all," Chase Brewer added.
Though some customers were surprised, Jesus Abreu may not have been. He's been already arrested twice for illegal gambling and now has another to add to his record.
Authorities believe Abreu has a slot machine company, and though he reportedly recently named his wife, Odalys, as owner, it's alleged he was still running that business.
Mrs. Abreu said nothing as she was hauled into a Miami-Dade Police cruiser Wednesday.
Jesus Abreu, 64, and Odalys Abreu, 46, both face several gambling charges, including possession of prohibited coin-making machines, bookmaking, gambling and keeping a house of gambling.
Jail records showed Jesus Abreu was being held on $14,000 bond Thursday while Odalys Abreu was being held on $15,500 bond. It was unknown whether they have attorneys.
Three others were arrested as well. Angel Padron, 70, and Juan Martinez, 62, are both accused of gambling and being agents of running a house of gambling. Padron was being held on $13,000 bond while Martinez was being held on $15,500 bond.
Kenia Hernandez, 38, is facing a charge of obstruction of justice and resisting arrest without violence and was being held on $1,000 bond. It's believed she worked at the illegal gambling house.
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