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More Than $1.3 Million Seized, 13 Arrested in Columbia Illegal Gambling Investigation

Issue #802

August 26, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 88, low of 67

📰 More Than $1.3 Million Seized, 13 Arrested in Columbia Illegal Gambling Investigation

🎤 Hear The Stories Behind Your Favorite Songs at The Mulehouse Hit Songwriter Night

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

More Than $1.3 Million Seized, 13 Arrested in Columbia Illegal Gambling Investigation

From Columbia Police Department’s post today…

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. 

The following locations had search warrants executed in reference to this Investigation:

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 Highway 
1533 Bear Creek Pike 
235 E James Campbell Blvd. 
2585 Nashville Highway 
400 S. James Campbell Blvd. 
500 North High Street 
5000 Trotwood Avenue 
504 S. James Campbell Blvd. 
511 North Garden Street
703 Trotwood Avenue

Hear The Stories Behind Your Favorite Songs at The Mulehouse Hit Songwriter Night

Our hit songwriter show features Nashville's most talented songwriters from all ages and tenure in the business. Relax, sit back in our intimate setting and hear the stories behind these songs. These will be evenings of music you DON'T want to miss!

HEAR THE STORIES FROM SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS!

"Blame It On You" - Jason Aldean's #1 hit!

"Watching You” - the Rodney Atkins' smash!

"Outskirts of Heaven" - the defining hit by Craig Campbell !

About the Songwriters:

Craig Campbell - After landing in Nashville from Lyons, Georgia, Craig’s undeniable talent and charm landed him steady gigs as a keyboard player for Luke Bryan and Tracy Byrd. With smooth chops and hot blooded stage presence, it wasn’t long before Campbell broke out into stardom of his own with hits like “Family Man” and “Outta My Head” soaring into the Top 15 on the Billboard Country Charts. Showing off his down home flair in singles like “Fish” and his Top 10 smash “Keep Them Kisses Comin”, Campbell became a boot stompin’, crowd pleasing favorite. His critically acclaimed ballad, “Outskirts of Heaven” was performed on NBC’s TODAY show and praised by Rolling Stone for its uplifting message. A regular on the Grand Ole Opry, Campbell also wowed audiences around the country on Luke Bryan’s highly successful Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Everyday Tour. In 2018, he released See You Try, a seven-song EP on Broken Bow Records. 2020 has brought on a partnership with EMPIRE and the release of new music on his own accord, starting with his romantic ballad, “It’s About Time”. The let loose anthem, “All My Friends Drink Beer” followed and now he is showing off his country pride with “Flyin’ My Country Flag.”

Brian White - With over 400 cuts to his credit, his work has earned him sixteen #1’s, two Dove Awards, SESAC Song of The Year as well as ACM, CMA and Grammy Nominations. His songs have been recorded by such artist as Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean ( Including Jason's latest #1 "Blame It On You"), Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins ( "Watching You" - SESAC & Billboard Song of The Year), The Swon Brothers, Steve Holy, Earl Scruggs, Terri Clark, Kix Brooks, Blackhawk, as well as Canadian and Austrailan country stars. His songs have also been recorded by such Christian artists as We Are Messengers, Danny Gokey, Kutless, 7eventh Time Down, Michael English, Avalon, Point of Grace, Mandisa, 4 Him, Larnelle Harris, Karyn Williams, Selah, All Star United, 33 Miles, Pure NRG, Jaci Velasquez, as well as international country acts like Sir Cliff Richard, Chad Brownlee, Jayne Denham and more.

Brian is a frequent speaker / worship leader for conferences around the country as well as a featured clinician at songwriting seminars. Married to Christian recording artist Karyn Williams, Brian is often found playing guitar for her on the road as well as sitting behind the console producing records in Nashville. Brian makes his home in Nashville, TN. and writes for Anthem Entertainment Publishing.

Gary Chapman - Gary is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and former television talk show host. He has won seven Dove awards and five Grammy nominations as an artist! He also hosted TNN's flagship show and the Sam's Place series at the historic Ryman Auditorium. 

Gary Chapman, along with Amy Grant , wrote the iconic "Tennessee Christmas" song we all know and love! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, August 27th

Friday, August 28th

Saturday, August 29th

Sunday, August 30th

Monday, August 31st

Tuesday

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 27
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
Sarah Gross - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, August 28
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Lydia Rae - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffel & Robert Johnson - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Hit Songwriter Show - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Alyssa Maries - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Zmed Brothers - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 29
CrossBridges - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Nick Bentely - Grinders Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Branch Fiddle Band - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Junkbox - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30-10:30 PM
Eaglemaniacs - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Main Street Vinyl - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 30
Small Town Sweethearts - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Parker & Joe - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM
Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk