LaGrange business owner charged with selling stolen goods and operating an illegal gambling hall
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LAGRANGE, Ga. (WTVM) – A LaGrange business owner is facing multiple charges after an undercover investigation into his business.
Police say Michael Kevin Williams, owner of EZ Pawn Shop on Hogansville Road, was “knowingly buying and selling stolen property.”
His arrest follows a multi-agency investigation that began in February. Authorities say an undercover operation confirmed that Williams bought property that was allegedly stolen from Home Depot.
Police said the investigation also led them to a separate room where patrons could play video slots. During an encounter, an undercover police officer was paid cash instead of store credit for his winnings, according to LaGrange police.
On Friday, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at the business and subsequently arrested Williams. According to police, the search uncovered approximately $20,000 in commercial property related to Home Depot and other retailers in and around LaGrange.
According to police, Williams had no records showing what property had been brought into the business or by whom the property had been sold or pledged. Authorities say they have seized any property that could be found.
Williams was transported to the Troup County Jail and convicted on the following charges:
- Commercial property fence (4 counts)
- Failure to keep pawnbroker’s records
- Commercial gambling
- Distribution of a Schedule IV narcotic (3 counts)
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