Suffolk County Police on Wednesday, September 11 arrested a man for having illegal gambling machines and allowing drinking without a license at a Huntington Station business.
Following community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Building Inspector, conducted an investigation into Jenny’s Deli & Grocery, located at 1044 New York Ave., during which officers observed patrons opening and consuming alcohol and gambling on the premises. During the investigation, officers discovered five illegal electronic gambling machines, which patrons could pay to use and then cash out from the store.
An employee of the store, Francis Perez, was found to be in possession of a knife during the investigation. Perez was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Promoting Gambling, Possession of Gambling Devices, Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree, five counts of Allowing Consumption of Beer on Premises, and Disorderly Premise, all misdemeanors.
Several State Liquor Authority violations were also observed and referred to the SLA for further investigation. The Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Building Inspector issued 8 violations to the business.
Perez, 50, of 152 Wyman Ave., Huntington Station, was released on a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.