SC man among leaders arrested in FL gambling probe

This undated photo provided by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office shows Johnny Duncan. South Carolina authorities say Duncan is among the leaders of a veterans charity accused of operating a $300 million illegal gambling ring. (AP Photo/Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office)

By MITCH WEISS

BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. (AP) — Johnny Duncan knew how to work a room. Outgoing with a wide smile and a Southern drawl, he'd drape his arm around a stranger and ask for their backstory.

So it was no surprise that during a visit to Florida two decades ago, the former pool hustler from South Carolina walked into a bingo hall and started chatting with the owner.

Although the owner was nearly 25 years older, they quickly discovered they had a lot in common. Both served in the military and wanted to help veterans. Eventually, they became part of Allied Veterans of the World, a Florida-based charity investigators said was a front for a $300 million gambling operation.

Duncan was among 50 people arrested in a handful of states last week, and authorities said he was a leader in the organization accused of running nearly 50 gambling parlors offering computer slot machine-style games.

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http://www.boston.com/news/nation/2013/03/17/man-among-leaders-arrested-gambling-probe/dIxcHAuAubifAUy5CnMfnN/story.html