Columbia Illegal Gambling Investigation Leads to More Than $1.3 Million in Cash Seized, 13 Arrests
Columbia, TN (August 26, 2026) - On Tuesday, Aug. 25, officers and agents simultaneously executed 22 search warrants at 20 Columbia businesses and the two residences. In total, authorities recovered $1,328,269 in cash, more than 100 pounds of kratom and THCA and 144 gambling machines, and made 13 arrests.
The multi-agency operation included the Columbia Police Department, Gallatin Police Department, Portland Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force.
The investigation began in July 2026 after the Columbia Police Department and Mayor’s Office received multiple complaints from residents and business owners regarding suspected illegal gambling activity. Undercover officers with CPD’s Investigations Division subsequently entered 50 businesses throughout Columbia and found 20 conducting illegal gambling and paying out winnings from gambling machines.
“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, and I want to begin by thanking every law enforcement agency that worked alongside the Columbia Police Department to make this operation possible,” said Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “Our investigators spent weeks gathering evidence and identifying illegal activity occurring throughout our community. The results of this operation demonstrate the professionalism of our officers and the strength of the partnerships we have with law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels.”
During the investigation, officers also observed gambling payouts involving minors believed to be as young as 9 or 10 years old and noted increased drug activity at the locations. Investigators also identified two residences, one in Columbia and one in Gallatin, where proceeds connected to illegal gambling activity were being housed.
“An operation of this scale requires an extraordinary level of coordination, and the City is grateful to each agency that assisted the Columbia Police Department,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “I commend Chief Haywood, the men and women of the Columbia Police Department and all of their partners for the excellence demonstrated throughout this operation.”
Mayor Chaz Molder also commended the department’s efforts.
“I want to commend the Columbia Police Department for their efforts yesterday, which were the culmination of a months-long investigation into illegal gambling activities taking place in our community. I am grateful for the safety of everyone involved during this large-scale operation, and I anticipate the successful prosecution of these cases in the criminal justice system. There’s no place for illegal activities in our community”
The investigation remains ongoing, with additional indictments anticipated.
Search Warrant Locations
- Residence, Gallatin, TN
- Residence, Columbia, TN
- 818 Hatcher Lane
- 1800 Carmack Blvd.
- 1000 Carmack Blvd.
- 1000 South Main Street
- 1005 Carmack Blvd.
- 101 Santa Fe Pike
- 1202 S. James Campbell Blvd., 8A
- 1300 Hatcher Lane, Ste. 4
- 1390 D Hampshire Pike
- 1411 Trotwood Avenue
- 1515 Nashville Hwy.
- 1533 Bear Creek Pike
- 235 E. James Campbell Blvd.
- 2585 Nashville Highway
- 400 S. James Campbell Blvd.
- 500 North High Street
- 5000 Trotwood Ave.
- 504 South James Campbell Blvd.
- 511 North Garden Street
ABOUT COLUMBIA, TN
The City of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, located 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Columbia is experiencing a renaissance of new industry, residential development, a bustling historic downtown square, and emerging arts district while attracting companies, residents, and visitors looking for affordability, quality of life, and a Main Street experience, all in a convenient location. Columbia is a Southern Living ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ and the ancestral home of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk.
