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Illegal Gambling Operation Still Open

INDIANA – As reported by the Indianapolis Star: "Indianapolis police have investigated a car wash they say is a front for an illegal gambling operation at least four times in the past two years, but the business continues to operate and no one has been charged with a crime.

"In one of the most recent investigations of the 38th Street Car Wash, 148 W. 38th St., police officers found City-County Council Majority Leader Monroe Gray Jr. and Center Township Constable Mark Anthony 'Tony' Duncan -- both elected Democrats -- sitting in a city-owned car in the business's parking lot, according to a police report.

"When police arrived at the car wash on Dec. 23, there was an active card game with money at stake, the report states.

"…The owner of the car wash, Willie Smith, denied running an illegal gambling operation, maintaining card games are played on occasion merely for entertainment.

"No one was arrested on those runs, either, said police spokesman Sgt. Russell Burns.

"The lack of arrests puzzled City-Council Councilman Scott Schneider.

"…Residents of the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood have complained to police on several occasions about the activities at the car wash.

"…Police officials declined to say whether the department has an ongoing investigation of the car wash. But they said their policy is not to ignore gambling crimes.

"…Duncan and Gray both denied any involvement in the alleged gambling operation.

"…The report also said that Gray, a division chief for the Indianapolis Fire Department, was at the car wash while on duty.

"…Smith acknowledged that he has been arrested several times for gambling violations 'all over town.'…"

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