Store owner charged with video gambling

RAYMOND, N.H. – A candy store was little more than a front for illegal video gambling, say police investigators, who were tipped off to the backroom operation by relatives of people who lost money there.

The owner of The Candy Shack, 54-year-old Sandra Beaudette of Raymond, turned herself in Saturday and was charged with running an illegal gambling operation. Kenneth Barrett, 71, of South Berwick, Maine, also turned himself in and was charged. Investigators said Barrett was a partner in the gambling operation.

Investigators said they confiscated six video poker machines and more than $1,000 in cash during a search on Sept. 18.

“There were some legitimate sales on the candy side, but, based on the investigation, I question what the legitimacy was for opening this business in the first place,” said Raymond police Detective Steve McPherson.

McPherson said as many as 25 people gambled at the store after hours. He said it’s possible some of the gamblers could face charges, although some of them, he said, were cooperating with investigators. Barrett and Beaudette were released on bail. They will be arraigned Nov. 20 in Auburn District Court.

Beaudette is charged with a gambling equipment violation and with promoting unlawful gambling. Barrett is charged with promoting and operating unlawful gambling.