April 9, 2021
Jim Evancho
The Anniston Police Department has made the following release.
Official Release
CALHOUN COUNTY, AL – On Friday, April 9, 2021, the Anniston Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Piedmont Police Department, and the Jacksonville Police Department served 10 search warrants on 9 different properties throughout Calhoun County, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the State Attorney General’s Office.
These search warrants focused on seizing illegal gambling machines from each of the 9 properties. In addition to these machines, firearms and narcotics were also seized from the properties.
At this time, the cases are still under investigation. There will be criminal charges forthcoming as more information is gathered.
Secondary Release by Anniston Police Department
FINAL PRESS RELEASE FOR GAMBLING OPERATION:
As reported earlier today, the Anniston Police Department and the Major Crimes Unit served several search warrants in Anniston. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office served search warrants in their jurisdiction and assisted Piedmont PD on a search warrant in Piedmont. Jacksonville PD also served a search warrant in their jurisdiction. The FBI, US Attorney’s Office, the IRS, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Anniston Fire Marshal, and Anniston Code Enforcement were all involved in a partnership effort to complete this mission.
The search warrants focused on illegal gambling devices that were known to be at the locations.
The Anniston search warrant locations are as follows:
1501 Hillyer Robinson Industrial Parkway (AJ’s Sunset Grill)
1503 Hillyer Robinson Industrial Parkway (AJ’s Sunset Grill)
Undisclosed residential address on Callahan Ln.
3805 Alabama Hwy 202 (Daiquiri Shack)
5739 Alabama Hwy 202 (Starlight Drive In)
4200 Whiteside Ave (closed daycare)
411 U.S. Hwy 431 (closed Lee’s Oriental Market)
During the execution of the original search warrants, additional warrants were obtained to seize a multitude of other items, including but not limited to; narcotics and firearms. Approximately 75 gambling devices were seized along with over 100 additional items.
One arrest was made today. Jack David Stovall of Anniston was charged with Certain persons forbidden to possess pistol (Felony). He was booked into the Calhoun County Jail.
The Anniston Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement found cause to close AJ’s Sunset Grill based on multiple code violations.
The entire case is still under investigation and more criminal charges may come in the future.
Before anyone says, “why don’t you go after some REAL crime”, consider the following; We have had a murder at one of these locations. We have had shootouts at one of these locations. We have had 2 armed robberies at one of these locations (one reported and one put on social media). We have had multiple assaults at several of these locations. We have had people drugged and their wallets stolen at one of these locations. We have had an overdose at one of these locations. These are only the incidents that have been reported to us. There is no telling what all goes on here. Crime breeds crime. Locations that are allowed to operate unchecked will only breed more crime.
The locations that we executed search warrants on today are only the first. We know of 8-10 more in the city of Anniston and they will be addressed shortly. If you run a business with these machines inside them, go ahead and get them moved out. Consider this a courtesy warning. The Anniston Police Department wants all of our citizens and visitors to have a good time and be safe while in the city. Operate your businesses legally and APD will support you. Operate illegally and APD will address you.
Editors Note: Secondary Press Release Added
