Suffolk County Police arrested the owner of a Patchogue business for having illegal gambling machines on the premises among other violations.
In response to community complaints, Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers, along with Community Support Unit, Anti-Crime, NYS State Liquor Authority, and Patchogue Village Code Enforcement conducted an investigation into Taqueria Hidalgo, also known as 123 Food Market, located at 123 Route 112, on September 21 at 11:45 p.m. The business was found to be non-compliant with multiple penal and state liquor laws.
Three electronic gambling machines and flavored tobacco products listed for sale were confiscated. The State Liquor Authority and Patchogue Village code enforcement issued multiple citations for violations observed.
The owner/manager of the business, Ghulam Choudhry, 56, of 1652 Manatuck Blvd., Bay Shore, was arrested and charged with second-degree promoting gambling 2nd Degree, possession of gambling devices, on premises gambling violation, second-degree criminal nuisance, and violation of beer consumption off premise. Choudhry was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.