VIRGINIA BEACH -- A several months investigation into Internet Sweepstakes cafes has ended with charges filed against 10 businesses.
Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Bryant announced the charges from a Special Grand Jury Monday following raids at 11 businesses on September 22.
Hundreds of computers were seized during the raid, which was the culmination of a six-month police investigation. At the time, Bryant said the cafes were operating illegally.
The Grand Jury indictments came in October but were sealed until this morning.
The only operator not facing charges is the owner of the Pungo Red Barn, who Bryant said hadn't been open long enough to be charged.
Bryant said the evidence presented to the Grand Jury consisted of video and audio surveillance made within the various Internet cafes. The panelists also heard a summary report from a nationally-recognized expert and an FBI forensic analyst.
If convicted, each person faces up to 10 years in prison.
TIME LINEFORVABEACHINVESTIGATION:
March 2010: Police undercover operation begins
Late summer 2010: Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and Va. Beach Police Dept. ask for help from FBI forensic analyst and expert to visit, play and render opinion.
Sept. 22, 2010: Police execute search warrants at 11 businesses
Oct. 14, 2010: Special Grand Jury hears evidence about the investigation and returns indictments against 10 businesses.
At the request of the Commonwealth's Attorney, the indictments were sealed.
October 1, 2010: Hearing in Chesapeake Circuit Court where Cyber Center asks for unsealing of search warrant affidavit and owners' home.
November 16, 2010: Indictments against Daniel Storie were unsealed and his attorney was advised
