March 16th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
According to the Cumberland Times News, no criminal charges will be filed against the Cumberland Moose Lodge 271 following review of allegations of possible gaming violations by the Mineral County prosecuting attorney and West Virginia State Police. “They were not purposely operating illegal gambling,” said West Virginia State Police Sgt. John Droppleman. “The Cumberland Moose had checked with a state agency and received verbal approval to allow the games. They were told it was all right to play the games and in that case we thought it was only fair not to choose to prosecute. We try to do what is right and this was the decision made by the prosecuting attorney with our consultation.” Droppleman identified the state agency that gave the apparent verbal approval for the games involving playing cards as the West Virginia State Tax Department. State police has also now suggested to the Cumberland Moose that they not continue to play the games that involved paying cards.
Police also returned several thousands dollars that were seized Thursday night when state police and officials with the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission visited the Cumberland Moose located adjacent to the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport. An account of the Cumberland Moose that was also frozen by police when the search warrant was conducted Thursday night has also been restored. The matter remains under review by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission that could issue citations for administrative violations.
Droppleman said state police were checking underage drinking compliance at the Cumberland Moose last week when possible gaming violations were observed, prompting the Thursday night visit by troopers and Alcohol Beverage Control Commission officials.
Droppleman also noted that the Cumberland Moose contribute in many positive ways to the community. He also noted that clarification of gaming codes may be necessary at the legislative level to make gaming regulations and codes more specific.
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