Owners of Falcon's Toy Store, others charged with illegally selling alcohol
A married couple and several others have been charged with running modern speakeasies in the city of Butler and Harrisville.
Police began an investigation into Gary R. Falconer and Michele R. Falconer in July after receiving an anonymous web tip that the couple was running an illegal gambling operation and serving alcohol without a liquor or restaurant license out of Falcon's Toy Store on West Jefferson Street and Falcon's Pizza and Skilled Games in Harrisville.
Undercover agents from the state police visited the two businesses several times over the summer and claim they were served alcohol and enticed by the owners and others to play on illegal gambling machines.
Police eventually charged the couple with five misdemeanor counts of storage, consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages on unlicensed business premises. Police described the businesses as speakeasies, an illicit establishment that sells alcoholic beverages.
Traci L. Gaiser, 53, of Butler was also charged for her role at Falcon's Toy Store with three identical charges. And Lois Jo Anne Smith, 26, of New Castle, was charged with two identical charges for her alleged role in the Harrisville business. Smith is identified by police as a part owner of the Harrisville business.
While police claimed they observed illegal gambling operations at both businesses, they declined to charge anyone with gambling crimes after consulting with District Attorney Richard Goldinger and Assistant District Attorney Mark Lope, who was assigned to the case.
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