'Operation Parlay' Leads To Gambling Raid, Arrest

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA -- A Forsyth County resident has been arrested and charged with connecting to running a gambling ring out of two homes, one of which is located in Woodstock.

Multiple agencies on Thursday executed search warrants in Cumming and Woodstock for violations of the state's commercial gambling laws.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Commercial Gambling Unit, Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department, Woodstock Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office were all part of the operation, the state agency said.

Following an investigation initiated by the police department in Virginia, the warrants were simultaneously executed at two homes. The GBI states the investigation in Virginia unearthed "a history of illegal online gambling activity" traced back to homes on Somerset Court in Cumming and Santa Ana Trail in Woodstock.

Both homes, the GBI said, were utilized by Frank Michael House, 54, who posed as a bookie by facilitating online bets. He allowed players to place wagers, straight wagers, parlay wagers, money line and spread wagers on college and professional sporting events, the GBI contends.

House is also accused of arranging collection and/or payment of any gambling debts accrued and winnings achieved.

House was arrested Thursday and charged with felony commercial gambling. The GBI adds more charges are pending in Georgia as well as Virginia.

The investigation remains active.

Photo: Frank Michael House. Credit: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office