During the month of May, 2010, the Oxnard Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice unit received information that the Paradise Video store at 2604 South Ventura Road was operating several slot machines in a rear room. During the week of May 24, 2010, an undercover detective entered the store. The detective was able to confirm the presence of the slot machines and the operations of the machines.

 

On May 27, 2010, at about 1500 hours, uniformed officers and members of the Narcotics/Vice unit entered the store and made contact with an employee, Darrell Essen. Four slot machines in working condition were located in a room towards the rear of the store. The room was hidden by a sliding display case that concealed the doorway leading to the room. The slot machines were seized. Essen was issued a citation for a misdemeanor charge of possession/operation of the slot machines. Essen was released on his written promise to appear in court. Later at the Oxnard Police Department, an undisclosed amount of cash was seized from the slot machines. 

 

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Bill Altman at 805-385-7639.

 

An investigation is ongoing. 

 

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 27, 2010 / 1800 hours