Published on: March 27, 2026, 12:03h.
Updated on: March 27, 2026, 10:31h.
- A police operation in Fort Wayne uncovered evidence connected to an illicit gambling enterprise.
- The individuals apprehended are also facing severe felony drug-related accusations.
According to a press release from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, a search executed at a Fort Wayne convenience store revealed signs of illegal gambling, as well as unregistered and stolen firearms, narcotics, and cash.
The Allen County Drug Task Force, alongside the SWAT Team from the Allen County Police Department, executed the search warrant at Lafayette Mart, situated at 3511 South Lafayette Street in Fort Wayne.
During the raid, authorities discovered 79.7 grams of cocaine, over four pounds of marijuana, and 6.2 grams of fentanyl. They also seized a stolen .45 Springfield pistol and an American Tactical Omni AR-15.
Items associated with illegal gambling, including pull-tabs, were also confiscated. Notably, Lafayette Mart is located just four blocks from South Side High School, which has an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students.
Two Individuals Taken Into Custody
On the same day as the Lafayette Mart operation, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office carried out another search warrant at 1298 Switchfoot Drive, leading to the recovery of additional firearms and drugs.
As a result of these simultaneous raids, Alex Brookshire and Makiyah Moore were arrested. Together, they own and manage Lafayette Mart.
“This operation showcases the Allen County Drug Task Force’s ongoing dedication to dismantling drug distribution networks and eliminating dangerous narcotics from Allen County. The Task Force continues its collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement to fight drug trafficking and safeguard the community’s health and safety,” stated the sheriff’s press release.
In Indiana, possessing over 28 grams of cocaine qualifies as a Level 3 felony, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from three to 16 years. Additionally, operating an illegal gambling establishment could incur felony charges.
Brookshire and Moore are facing numerous counts, including dealing in cocaine, possession of narcotics, facilitating illegal gambling, and possession of unregistered firearms.
Gambling Raid in Alabama
In Alabama, where most forms of gambling are prohibited—including the lottery, casino gaming, sports betting, and parimutuel betting—a police operation in Alexander City discovered 32 illegal gambling machines.
Following multiple complaints regarding illegal gambling at a business on Hillabee Street, law enforcement secured a warrant and seized the unregulated gaming machines during the search. The press release did not specify the business, but Koon’s Korner, a gas station and convenience store located at 1460 Hillabee, is suspected.
The Alexander City Police Department received assistance from the Dadeville Police Department and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office in executing the raid.
Illegal gambling machines are frequently set to offer dismal payout rates, significantly lower than the minimum standards mandated for commercial and tribal casinos that adhere to regulations.