Poker machines to be returned

Kentucky -- Owner not charged in illegal gambling scheme

Eight video poker machines seized earlier this month by the Kentucky State Police in a raid on a Shelbiana business may be returned to the owner.

Pike District Judge Kelsey E. Friend Jr. yesterday gave the Pike County Attorney’s office until January 24 to file case law stating why the machines should not be returned to the owner, Keith Cavins, of Shelbiana.


Cavins’ attorney, Stephen Hogg, could not comment on the case yesterday, but filed a motion on Cavins’ behalf asking for the machines’ return.

Chief Assistant Pike County Attorney Roger Varney could not say much about the decision made yesterday.

“The defense made a motion and the Commonwealth lost,” he said.

Cavins has not been charged in connection with the case, which resulted in eight first-degree promoting gambling charges being filed against 58-year-old Larry David Adkins.

According to a statement by the Kentucky State Police, troopers Jimmy Anderson and Kevin Thacker were on routine patrol in the Shelbiana area when suspicious activity led them to a closed business on U.S. 460.



Upon investigation, the statement said, the officers found people playing on video poker machines that accepted money.

Adkins told the troopers it was his operation and he “pays out” to winners on the machine nightly, court documents state.

Adkins has not yet been arraigned, and is scheduled to be on January 23.

“After that, we will have a preliminary hearing unless the grand jury takes action beforehand,” Varney said.

Despite potentially losing the evidence, prosecutors said they will continue to work the case.

“We will continue to monitor the case closely,” said Assistant County Attorney Kyle Deskins.

Yesterday, Friend also ordered Hogg to prepare an order to release the machines to Cavins.

News Added: 16 January, 2008

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