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Man Indicted for Running Illegal Casino

1/22/2015

(LOGAN, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that a Hocking County Grand Jury has indicted a Logan man on charges of running an illegal casino and gambling violations.

Marshal Lucas, 53, of Logan, who operated Red Door Casino at 44 E. Main Street in Logan, was arraigned today on 24 counts including felony charges of operating an illegal casino (7 counts) and misdemeanor counts of operating a gambling house (6 counts), gambling (8 counts), and keeping a place where beer or intoxicating liquors are sold or given away in violation of the law (3 counts).

“Operating an illegal casino shows a blatant disregard for the law,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We have a responsibility to uphold the law and to crack down on illegal gambling. We will continue to pursue those who operate outside the law.”

Lucas, who also is known as Dancing Elk, allegedly operated a casino that was not permitted under Ohio law around early 2014.

Lucas’ girlfriend, Jennifer Lynn Vance, 38, of Logan, also was indicted on four gambling counts for her role allegedly working at the illegal casino.

Search warrants were issued at Red Door Casino in March 2014, when agents removed gaming machines as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal gambling and liquor violations at the business. The case was investigated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Charitable Law Section, with assistance from the Ohio Investigative Unit.

The Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office has appointed an attorney from the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section to serve as special assistant prosecutor in the case.

Ohioans who suspect illegal gambling are urged to contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.

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Media Contacts

Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840

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