Mississippi Attorney General Announces Two Guilty Pleas in Illegal Gaming Cases

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March 14, 2008 -- Jackson, MS -- Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood today confirmed two guilty pleas stemming from an undercover operation involving illegal gaming devices. Bruce Collier, Jr. (age 37, last known address: 120 Pemble St, Merrigold, MS), Manager of Bruce’s Place (aka Joe’s Bar), 2492 HWY 446,Boyle, MS and Jimmy Utz (age 62, last known address: 557 HWY 61, Boyle, MS), Owner/Manager of Sky King’s Lounge, 557 HWY 61, Boyle, MS appeared in Bolivar County Justice Court before Judge Harold Ward, Sr. to address charges that they willfully, and unlawfully possessed, displayed and operated slot machines or similar devices, in violation of §97-33-7.

On February 20, 2008, Utz pled guilty to possession of illegal slots, paid a $500 fine plus court costs, for a total of $640. Utz also pled guilty to operating a gaming operation without a license in Bolivar County Justice Court, paid a $500 fine plus court costs, for a total of $640 (total $1,000 fine and $1280 in court costs).

On March 6, 2008, Collier pled guilty to possession of illegal slots in Bolivar County Justice Court, paid a $500 fine plus court costs, for a total of $640. Collier also pled guilty to operating a gaming operation without a license in Bolivar County Justice Court, paid a $500 fine plus court costs, for a total of $640 (total $1,000 fine and $1280 in court costs).

“We are happy to have these two cases resolved,” said Attorney General Hood. “Justice was served and both defendants received the maximum penalty for their crime.”

Source: Mississippi Attorney General