Sarasota, FL – Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a nearly year-long investigation into illegal gambling operations across Sarasota County. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the investigation began in April 2024 when the Intelligence Unit was tasked with probing numerous illegal gambling establishments throughout the county.
During their investigation, deputies identified the Palms Social Center, a relatively new business displaying a sign with slot machine rollers showing ‘777’—a symbol typically associated with legal casinos. Undercover detectives visited the establishment, played the slot machines, and interacted with both customers and employees. The investigation led to a search warrant for the business and arrest warrants for those involved.
Working in partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, authorities arrested five people connected to the operation:
Ciara Boles, 34, of Venice
Stivi Breshani, 29, of Venice
Emily Gill, 26, of Sarasota
Ilir Iskali, 44, of Addison, IL
Christine McCormack, 42, of Port Charlotte
Emily Gill was arrested at the Palms Social Center on February 26, and deputies later apprehended Boles and McCormack the same day with the help of the SCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit. On February 28, Breshani was arrested without incident. Finally, on March 3, Ilir Iskali turned himself in at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility.
All five suspects face charges related to illegal gambling and criminal enterprise under RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). Additional charges include possession of a slot machine, maintaining a gambling establishment, and money laundering.
The authorities also seized nearly 60 illegal slot machines from the business. One suspect, Ilia Lulo, remains at large, and an arrest warrant has been issued for them.
In a statement, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman expressed concern about the rise of illegal gambling operations in the area, stating, “Our agency has received many complaints about these illegal establishments popping up in Sarasota County. This is the first of many steps towards holding them accountable and closing them down.”
Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, added, “The Florida Gaming Control Commission is proud to partner with Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. SCSO has made its home safer by targeting those responsible for siphoning away funds from their neighbors with illegal slot machines. These unlawful machines are unregulated and lack any consumer protections.”
