By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The garage at the Morris Police Department looks a little like Las Vegas.

But the gambling machines in Morris will not be bringing anyone a fortune anytime soon.

On Monday, officers with the Morris Police Department pulled over a U-Haul truck that was packed with 30-35 illegal gambling machines.

The officers had pulled the truck over on U.S. Hwy. 31 South for a traffic violation.

Then based on statements made by the driver, officers further investigated and discovered the machines.

The driver was a white 43-year-old Blount County male. His name is not being released because he has not been formally charged.

“We knew the machines were illegal because of initial statements made by the driver,” said Morris Police Chief Brian Cochran.

Cochran then called officers with the Warrior Police Department who were familiar with similar machines.

He also called the district attorney’s office to talk with prosecutors who handle cases involving illegal gambling.

“They said we should seize the machines and hold them,” Cochran said.

He said the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will assist in the prosecution and investigation of the case.

The Morris department will hold the machines until officers receive a court order to destroy them.

The driver of the U-Haul told officers that he was headed to South Carolina with the machines.

Police suspect that the truck was traveling with a second U-Haul that was also possibly carrying illegal gambling machines.