Police bust gambling operation in Elmira Heights

All bets are now off at an Elmira Heights storefront where police said they broke up an illegal gambling operation Thursday night.

The Chemung County Sheriff's Office and Elmira Heights police said they executed a search warrant at 129-131 W. 14th St. at 8 p.m. inside a business police said is commonly known as "PBNJ." The raid led to two arrests.

What they found inside were 15 people betting money on card games, said Capt. Sean D. Holley of the Criminal Investigation Division of the sheriff's office. Police said they seized $2,700 in cash as well as items used to facilitate gambling.

Arrested were Robert T. Townson, 53, of Southport Street in Elmira, and Jeffrey W. Durfey, 47, of Route 224 in Cayuta. Each was charged with second-degree promoting gambling, a misdemeanor, and both were released to appear later in Elmira Heights Village Court.

Holley said the location appeared to be a storefront that held illegal gambling activities in the rear of the building, which is near College Avenue.

He said the setup included security systems with video and display monitors showing the seating arrangements of players, winnings to be paid out and a complete listing of past and present clients as well as their contact information and who referred them to the game.

Police said it is illegal in New York for persons to advance and profit from illegal gambling activities. The investigation spanned several months and the Chemung County District Attorney's Office assisted the two police agencies.