SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. – Five individuals have been arrested in Sarasota County following a joint investigation by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) into illegal gambling operations.
The arrests stem from an investigation that began in April 2024, focusing on multiple illegal gambling establishments in the county.
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Ciara Boles, 34, and Stivi Breshani, 29, both of Venice; Emily Gill, 26, of Sarasota; Ilir Iskali, 44, of Addison, Illinois; and Christine McCormack, 42, of Port Charlotte, were all taken into custody on charges related to illegal gambling.
“Our agency has received many complaints about these illegal establishments popping up in Sarasota County,” stated Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “This is the first of many steps towards holding them accountable and closing them down.”
The investigation culminated in a search warrant being executed at a Sarasota County business, where nearly 60 illegal slot machines were seized.
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The five defendants face a range of charges, including:
- Criminal Enterprise (RICO)
- Possession of a Slot Machine
- Maintaining a Gambling Establishment
- Money Laundering
An arrest warrant has also been issued for a sixth suspect, Llia Lulo, who remains at large.
“The Florida Gaming Control Commission is proud to partner with Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office,” said Ross Marshman, Florida Gaming Control Commission Acting Executive Director. “SCSO has made its home safer by targeting those responsible for siphoning away funds from their neighbors with illegal slot machines. These unlawful machines are unregulated and lack any consumer protections.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Llia Lulo to contact Crime Stoppers at 941-366-8477 or SarasotaCrimestoppers.com.
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