CANTON, OH – The house always wins, but in this case, the house is facing federal charges. Jerry Warren, 70, of Canton, Tracie Warren-Pastore, 45, of North Canton, and Yabacushyanei Bennett, 45, of Canton, have been hit with federal charges for operating a sprawling, illegal casino in Canton and allegedly laundering the proceeds. The trio allegedly ran the operation for five years, raking in substantial profits while flouting the law.
According to a criminal information filed by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, the group conspired to conduct an illegal gambling business and to launder money from 2008 through May 2013. The operation, known as the Nugget, boasted over 200 slot machines – Frog Prince, Pharaoh’s Fortune, Lucky Meerkats, Treasure Diver, Enchanted Kingdom, and more – all open for public gambling. Prosecutors are seeking to seize over $1.3 million in cash, as well as a 2011 Jaguar XJ8, a 2011 Mazda CX-9, a 2008 Land Rover, and a 2000 Porsche Boxter, representing the ill-gotten gains.
“This trio ran their own illegal casino in Canton, complete with 200 slot machines,” Dettelbach stated bluntly. “Now the game is up, and they will be held accountable for their actions.” The investigation, led by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ohio Casino Control Commission, revealed the operation often generated over $2,000 in gross revenue *per day*. Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, emphasized the importance of financial transaction reporting laws in combating such schemes. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to enforcing these laws and following the money, wherever it leads.”
Matt Schuler, Executive Director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, underscored the legal context. “This case illustrates the need for vigilance in the enforcement of Ohio’s Casino Control Act,” Schuler said. “There are only four legal casinos in Ohio; this was clearly an illegal gambling house.” The scale of the operation suggests a sophisticated effort to evade detection and operate outside the bounds of the law, preying on vulnerable gamblers and undermining legitimate businesses.
The defendants – Warren, Warren-Pastore, and Bennett – now face the consequences. While the exact sentences will be determined by the court after considering factors like criminal history and individual roles in the conspiracy, the charges carry significant penalties. The government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of federal and state agencies to dismantle illegal gambling operations and crack down on financial crimes.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Culum is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that a criminal information is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This case serves as a stark reminder that even in the shadows, the long arm of the law will pursue those who seek to profit from illegal activities.”
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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