Exposed: Jacksonville’s Alleged Illegal Gambling Ring and High-Profile Defendants
A significant crackdown on an alleged illegal gambling operation has unfolded in Jacksonville, Florida, as multiple defendants have been named in a detailed 32-page document filed with the Florida Department of Legal Affairs. The sprawling scheme is believed to have been operational since at least 2021 and reportedly spanned across ten different locations throughout the city.
Defendants Named
Among those implicated is Jerry Bass, a figure who was previously involved in the Allied Veterans of the World internet cafe scandal in 2013, which led to numerous arrests. Bass, who has been held in Duval County jail since his arrest on December 11, faced charges alongside several others, including Ryan Strickland, Robin Rukab Azzam, George Azzam, and Derek Fleming.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reportedly began investigating the operation after receiving multiple complaints from citizens regarding the gambling facilities. The document identifies the defendants as “high level members of the enterprise,” alleging that profits from the operation were funneled into purchasing real estate, vehicles, and luxury items.
Locations of Illegal Activity
The establishments involved in the gambling operation are listed as:
- 5354 Verna Boulevard (known as the “Verna” Establishment)
- 4547 Shirley Avenue (the “Shirley” Establishment, also referred to as “Jax Social”)
- 5331 Lenox Avenue (the “Lenox” Establishment)
- 1513 Lane Avenue (the “Lane” Establishment)
- 734 Edgewood Avenue North (the “Edgewood” Establishment, or “Paxon”)
- 5045 Soutel Drive (the “Soutel” Establishment)
- 4006 North Main Street (the “Main Street” Establishment)
- 8014 Lem Turner Road (the “Turner” Establishment)
- 4578 Blanding Boulevard (the “Blanding” Establishment)
- 6530 San Juan Avenue (the “San Juan” Establishment)
Key Figures in the Scheme
At the center of the alleged operation, George Azzam and his wife, Robin Rukab Azzam, are said to have played pivotal roles. Documents indicate that Robin Rukab Azzam, who was previously involved in the internet cafe business, is referred to in the filings as the “boss.” She is accused of laundering over $1 million from the gambling ring through various bank accounts, alongside storing cash at her residence.
Further allegations against Bass include assisting Rukab Azzam with money laundering and managing the gambling facility located on Shirley Avenue. Ryan Strickland is implicated in supplying the illegal gambling software and hardware, as well as being involved in the money laundering activities.
Community Concerns and Police Action
Community members have voiced ongoing concerns regarding suspicious activities at the establishments. One local resident, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed unease over the presence of high-end vehicles at the locations and recent construction efforts that raised red flags. ‘I couldn’t understand where all the money was coming from,’ the resident remarked, referencing the sudden proliferation of luxury cars and renovations.
On December 11, law enforcement took action, towing several vehicles, including a black Jeep, an Escalade, and a white Rolls Royce, from locations linked to the suspects.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The charges submitted in the filings include serious allegations such as racketeering, money laundering, maintaining a gambling house, and conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Defendants are anticipated to appear before a judge in January to respond to the various charges lodged against them.
Additionally, the document notes troubling incidents at the gambling sites, with reported crimes including a burglary, robbery, and even a homicide. Most notably, a security guard was shot and killed in October at the Dragon Arcade on Edgewood Avenue North, an establishment also linked to the gambling operation.
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This ongoing investigation not only highlights concerns surrounding illegal gambling in Jacksonville but also reflects significant law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime in the region. The community continues to watch closely as details unfold in the courtroom in the coming months.