Murphys Hotel Gambling Bust

Murphys, CA — A sting operation conducted by the state Department of Justice uncovered an illegal gambling operation at the Murphys Historic Hotel Tuesday.

Hotel owner Dorian Faught and two of his employees, John Reesman and Brian Goss, were arrested for conducting gambling without a license.

Special Agent Marty Horan with the Division of Gambling Control says the department received an anonymous tip in June regarding illegal poker tournaments in the bar portion of the hotel. For two months agents participated in the Tuesday night card games.

Horan says, 20 minutes into this week´s card game, officials from Gambling Control and Alcoholic Beverage Control put a stop to the illegal activities.

Agents seized poker chips, cards and $630.

Alcoholic Beverage Control says administrative action against the hotel is forthcoming.

Written by Vanessa Turner.