SWFL Moose Lodges targeted during illegal gambling raids

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- Illegal gambling raids at Moose Lodges stretching from Port Charlotte to LaBelle netted dozens of slot machines and more than $39,000 in cash.

Brad Foster, 57; Cledo Proffitt, 74; Nancy Birk, 58; and Scott Walka, were arrested at Moose Lodges in Lee and Charlotte Counties. Authorities say eight other arrest warrants are pending after raids at the following locations:

• Caloosahatchee Lodge #2395 – 419 East Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral
• Ft. Myers Beach Lodge #964 – 19090 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers
• Lodge #1899 – 9171 College Pkwy, Ft. Myers
• Lodge #2121 – 3462 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte
• Lodge #2398 280 Jaycee Lyons Drive, LaBelle

Local authorities and agents from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation seized gaming machines from the lodge on Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral, and also closed down the outdoor bar during the raid.

“I ain’t too thrilled about cops coming in my drinking establishment,” said Bob Loiselle. “All they told us, told the bartender, was give us our bill and we have to leave.”

Agents also targeted a location on College Parkway in south Fort Myers.

“I think the government is too intrusive into our rights,” said Burnie Humphrey, who says he’s been a member at the Moose Lodge for 15 years, and enjoys what he calls low-stakes gaming.

“You don’t get thousands of dollars like Vegas,” said Humphrey. “They were regular, looked like slot machines, you put your money in, and pull buttons and you win or lose.”

Agents confiscated nearly 49 machines during the raids, along with five poker tables, and $39,428 in cash.