Four Arrested In Gwinnett Gambling Raid

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Four people have been arrested after a lengthy investigation into what police call a bookie-style gambling operation in Gwinnett County.

The investigation began after police received complaints of illegal gambling happening at the H&S Gift Shop at 1848 Old Norcross Rd. in Lawrenceville.

According to Gwinnett County Police, the business was a front for a gambling operation. Search warrants were served at the business and the owner's home Thursday.

The warrants led to the seizure of more than $244,000 in cash, four vehicles and what police described as numerous counterfeit items.

Vanhdy Soukthivong, 59, Somphone Somphonephackdy, 61, Fongsamuth Siharath, 38, and Hai Somphonephackdy, 41, were arrested on a total of six felonies for commercial gambling violations, three misdemeanors for counterfeit trademark violations and an alcohol license violation at the business.

Police were still working Friday to determine the magnitude of the operation

"As a result, we are limited with the amount of information that we can release," police Cpl. Deon Washington said in a news release. "This is still a very active investigation and it is likely that additional charges and arrests will occur."

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department