The man faces charges of illegal gambling and money laundering
A Florida man is in legal trouble after authorities say he operated unlicensed poker games and tried to cover up more than $800,000 in profits. James Patrick Kerr, 39, from Lakeland, was arrested on April 1 and charged with three counts of money laundering involving sums over $100,000 each, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began after deputies received tips about illegal gambling in the area. One undercover officer reportedly attended one of Kerr’s games in Winter Haven, where players gathered for high-stakes poker without state oversight or licensing. Detectives say these underground games weren’t just occasional events—they were part of a long-running operation that brought in substantial revenue.
Sheriff Grady Judd said detectives tracked Kerr’s money movement, noting that he had tried to hide the flow of funds by shifting large amounts between different bank accounts over a period of three years.
Records show that Kerr pulled in over $400,000 in 2021 from these games, with his income continuing to rise. By the time investigators wrapped up their probe, they had linked a total of $833,478 in earnings to the illegal gambling activity.
Authorities located Kerr at his attorney’s office in Lakeland on the day of his arrest. He reportedly declined to speak with law enforcement. He was then taken into custody and booked at the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
Officials say this case highlights how some individuals try to operate outside the legal gambling framework in Florida, which only permits such games through licensed venues or for entertainment with no real money involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and more charges could follow depending on what further evidence emerges.
