Operation Parlay: Bringing Down the House

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

News Release

Contact:  ASAC Ron Braxley

    404/270-8491

For Immediate Release

February 16, 2017

Operation Parlay: Bringing Down the House

Woodstock and Cumming, GA. – On Thursday, February 16, 2017, multiple agencies participated in executing two search warrants in Woodstock and Cumming for violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.  The GBI’s Commercial Gambling Unit, the Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Department of Revenue all took part in today’s warrants.

After a lengthy investigation initiated by the Fairfax County (VA) Police Department, search warrants were served simultaneously at two residences.  The Virginia investigation revealed a history of illegal online gambling activity ultimately traced back to residences off Somerset Court in Cumming, Georgia and Santa Anita Trail in Woodstock, Georgia.  Both residences were utilized by the alleged offender in this investigation.  The alleged offender acted as a “bookie” by facilitating online bets allowing players to place wagers, straight wagers, parlay wagers, money line and spread wagers on college and professional sporting events.  Further, the alleged offender arranged collection and/or payment of any wagers, money line and spread wagers on college and professional sporting events.  Further, the alleged offender arranged collection and/or payment of any gambling debts accrued and winnings achieved.

The alleged offender in this investigation, Mr. Frank Michael House, 54 of Somerset Court in Cumming, Georgia has been arrested and charged with Felony Commercial Gambling.    Additional charges are pending in both Georgia and Virginia.  Prosecutors from both Cherokee County and Forsyth County were on hand for the execution of the warrants to assist with any legal issues.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.