Food, drink, gambling at ‘known speakeasy,’ York cops say – York Daily Record/Sunday News

Three women face charges in connection with operating an alleged speakeasy. Ted Czech, York Daily Record/Sunday News

York City Police raided what they called a "known speakeasy" in the 200 block of South Sherman Street on April 29.(Photo: Ted Czech, York Daily Record/Sunday News)Buy Photo

Three York women face charges in connection with the alleged operation of a speakeasy, where an entrance fee was charged for alcohol, food and gambling,according to charging documents.

Police said they raided the "known speakeasy," located inside a home in the 200 block of South Sherman Street, York, onApril 29, where they cited 33 people for prohibited patronizing and arrested nine on various criminal charges.

In addition, policeseizeddrugs, guns and more than $11,000.

This week, police filed charges against three women:Latricia Ann Thomas, 43, and Paula Faye Thomas, 60, both of the 200 block of South Sherman Street, and Tina Marie Duncan, 49, of the 800 block of West King Street, York.

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Documents did not state if the Thomases are related.

All three were arraigned Wednesday. Paula Thomas and Duncan face charges of dealing in procuring unlawful activity/intent to promote and unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages.

No other charging documents related to the other six who were arrested were available Thursday.

Latricia Thomas faces charges ofdealing in procuring unlawful activity/intent to promote, allowing gambling,unlawful acts relative to liquor, alcohol and license, possession or transportation of liquor or alcohol, and unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages, according to the documents.

The womenwere released on their own recognizance at their arraignment and are scheduled for a preliminary arraignment before District Judge Linda Williams on June 27, according to online court dockets.

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On Thursday, there was no answer at the home police identified as the speakeasy, and the women could not be reached for comment

According to Sgt. James Lynam of the state's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement,someone can't just decide to sell things like alcohol.

"You can't sell liquor, alcohol or malt beverages without a license," he said Thursday.

In addition, a casino license must be obtained to run a gambling operation,particularly if a cover is being charged at the door.

"If it's a game among friends, that's fine; however, if you charge an entry fee for a seat at the table where the house benefits, you're facilitating gambling, or in essence, a casino," Lynam said.

Also, the house did not have a food distribution license, according to documents.

Lynam said his bureau was approached by York City Police Officer William Wentz for their help in conducting the raid.

The bureau participated, but as far as specifically how they did so, Lynam declined to say, adding that it was an ongoing investigation.

Police identified Latricia Thomas as the tenant at the home where the speakeasy was operating.

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Using a search warrant, police went to the home at about 3:45 a.m. Inside, they found crack, heroin, marijuana, five handguns and $11,783, police said.

"Patrons of the speakeasy admitted to being charged a cover charge to enter where in return they received food and drinks and were permitted to gamble," documents state.

Other patrons said they were charged additional amounts of money to buy shots of liquor or containers of malt or brewed beverages, according to documents.

Police spoke with Latricia Thomas, who admitted to charging and collecting money as patrons entered her home, documents state.

Contact Ted Czech at 717-771-2033.

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Food, drink, gambling at 'known speakeasy,' York cops say - York Daily Record/Sunday News