The owner of a Florida slot parlor accused of running an illegal gambling enterprise worth $24 million is seeking to dismiss the most serious charges. She argues that prosecutors have exaggerated a simple gambling case as organized crime.
Rima Ray, 45, who owns the Il Villagio Senior Entertainment Center in Lady Lake, Fla., filed a 32-page motion to dismiss a racketeering charge and three money-laundering counts.
Florida officials raided Il Villagio in July 2025 after an undercover operation, confiscating about 190 allegedly illegal slot machines. Prosecutors also found 80 machines in a warehouse.
Authorities claim that over $24 million went through bank accounts linked to the operation between January 2023 and July 2025. They allege that money was transferred through shell companies, wire transfers, and overseas accounts, with nearly $3 million going into Ray’s personal account.
Ray’s lawyers argue that these allegations do not constitute a violation of Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.
‘Garden Variety’ Gambling Case
The defense claims that prosecutors failed to prove a pattern of racketeering involving different criminal incidents. Instead, they state that the alleged conduct is a single continuous illegal gambling operation.
“Stripped down, this is a typical criminal activity,” Ray’s attorneys stated.
They highlight that the lead investigator, Robaldo Ramos, confirmed during his deposition that there was no evidence of drugs, prostitution, or other criminal activities at Il Villagio, which mostly caters to senior citizens. Ramos also confirmed that Ray was the sole owner and operator of the business.
The defense argues that this undermines the portrayal of Il Villagio as a large criminal enterprise.
Ray’s attorneys also question the money-laundering accusations, doubting whether prosecutors can prove she tried to conceal the source or ownership of gambling proceeds.
When asked during his deposition how the money was hidden, Ramos responded, “They were not concealed. They were just deposited into a bank.”
Cash, Gold Bar Seized
When charges were announced last year, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office described Il Villagio as an illegal gambling operation that made millions of dollars, with proceeds allegedly passed through various accounts and businesses.
Authorities mentioned that Ray was driving a Maserati with nearly $350,000 in cash and a gold bar when caught. Investigators previously described cash being transported in shoeboxes and money bags.
Ray is not seeking the dismissal of all charges but is challenging the RICO and money-laundering counts that elevate the alleged gambling operation to a more serious criminal case.
Her attorneys argue that the money-laundering charges hinge on prosecutors proving an underlying felony. If the RICO charge is dropped, they insist that the three money-laundering counts should be dismissed as well.
As of September 20, prosecutors had not formally responded to the motion.