NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – A New Rochelle sports bar owner is facing gambling charges after police say investigators found four video-style slot machines inside a private room at the rear of the business.
Members of the New Rochelle Police Department Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at the Union Avenue Sports Bar, 142 Union Avenue, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21. Police arrested Gisselle Lopez, 35, of New Rochelle, following the search.
- Investigators say four video-style slot machines were found inside a private room at the rear of the sports bar.
- Lopez faces four misdemeanor counts of possession of a gambling device and one misdemeanor count of promoting gambling.
- Police said the business will be referred to the New York State Liquor Authority for alleged violations and a review of its liquor license.
Lopez was released after receiving a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to court Sept. 1, according to police. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Police Search Union Avenue Sports Bar
Police said the search warrant was executed by detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
During the search, investigators located what the department described as “a private room in the rear of the establishment containing illicit gambling activity.”
Four video-style slot machines were seized from the room, police said.
The department did not disclose what led investigators to the Union Avenue business or how long the alleged gambling operation had been underway.
Police also did not say whether customers were inside the private room when investigators arrived or whether money or other gambling-related evidence was seized.
Owner Faces Five Misdemeanor Gambling Charges
Lopez was charged under New York state law with four counts of possession of a gambling device, each an A misdemeanor.
She also faces one count of promoting gambling in the second degree, another A misdemeanor.
Lopez was not held following her arrest. Police issued her a desk appearance ticket requiring her to appear in court Sept. 1 before releasing her pending further proceedings.
No additional arrests were announced.
Liquor License Could Face State Review
The criminal case is not the only potential consequence for the business.
New Rochelle police said the Union Avenue Sports Bar will be referred to the New York State Liquor Authority for multiple alleged violations and a review of its liquor license.
The department did not identify the specific liquor-license violations it intends to refer to state regulators.
That review will be separate from the misdemeanor criminal case against Lopez.
The State Liquor Authority regulates businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in New York and can pursue administrative action against license holders when violations are established.
For now, Lopez is due back in court Sept. 1 while the sports bar faces a separate review by state alcohol regulators.
Police say four gambling machines were seized from the sports bar.
Investigators described the devices as video-style slot machines and said they were found inside a private room at the rear of the Union Avenue establishment.
Gisselle Lopez faces five misdemeanor charges.
Police charged Lopez with four counts of possession of a gambling device and one count of promoting gambling in the second degree.
The bar’s liquor license will face additional scrutiny.
New Rochelle police said the business will be referred to the New York State Liquor Authority for multiple alleged violations and license review.
Sources: New Rochelle Police Department statement issued Aug. 28 regarding the Aug. 21 search and arrest.
