Philadelphia man charged in illegal Trenton slot machine ring

A 33-year-old Philadelphia man, Harry Almonte, has been charged in connection with an illegal slot machine ring operating across more than 30 businesses in Trenton, New Jersey.

Following an 11-month investigation by the Trenton Police and the State Police Financial Crimes Unit, authorities executed search warrants on Monday. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 70 slot machines and more than $100,000 in illegal proceeds.

Almonte faces second-degree money laundering charges and third-degree offenses including the maintenance of a gambling resort, possession of gambling devices, and promoting gambling in Mercer County Superior Court. Additionally, Almonte faces separate drug and weapons-related charges in Pennsylvania following his arrest, where police reportedly found three semi-automatic handguns and marijuana.

Business owners in Trenton found hosting the unauthorized machines also face charges for maintaining a gambling resort and possessing gambling devices.