Ohio Teacher Charged in Long-Running Gambling Operation

A grand jury in Cuyahoga County has indicted a Vermilion High School teacher accusing her of running an illegal gambling operation across Northeast Ohio for several years. 

Vermilion Educator Faces 23 Charges in Alleged Slot Machine and Bingo Scheme

Kristina Edmison, 47, who teaches social studies and coaches track, now faces 23 charges. These include serious offenses like money laundering, conspiracy, and operating unauthorized gaming venues, reported the Vermilion Daily. The case against Edmison highlights a complex web of unlawful activities that have come to light.

The accusations come from a probe into unlicensed electronic slot machines and illegal bingo games that Edmison and her co-defendants, Lee Edmison Jr. and Lee Edmison III, ran. The prosecutors say the three, along with multiple businesses in their names, set up a gambling network pretending to be charitable fundraising, running from 2018 to 2022.

Court papers say the suspects set up and ran gaming machines in at least 13 bars across Cuyahoga County. These included spots in Cleveland, Parma, and Garfield Heights. Investigators claim these machines never got proper licenses under Ohio law. The authorities also say the accused used charity bingo permits to make their operations look like they were helping youth sports groups. They mention the Ohio Junior Hockey Association and the Medina Youth Baseball Association as examples of such groups.

Businesses Tied to Vermilion Teacher Accused of Laundering Illegal Gaming Profits

The companies mentioned in the charges, Modern Music & Games, K Zip Services and Repairs, and LJ Modern Properties LLC, played a key role in channeling the money from the machines. This cash was cleaned through different financial routes such as business accounts and property purchases. The prosecution wants to seize over $33,000 in cash, seven bank accounts, several properties, and two vehicles they think are connected to the alleged illegal activities.

After the indictment came out on March 21, Vermilion Local Schools put Edmison on paid administrative leave. Dr. David Hile, the superintendent, said she had to give back school property and stop talking to staff or students while the investigation continues. He stressed that the district must keep paying her, unless they start formal steps to end her job.

He also pointed out that Edmison is still considered innocent until proven guilty. Edmison pleaded not guilty and walked free on personal bond. She will show up in court again on May 8 with Judge John O’Donnell presiding.

The most serious accusation she faces — taking part in ongoing corrupt activities — could land her in prison for up to 11 years if the jury finds her guilty. Given its intricacy and the number of people involved, this legal battle will drag on for several months.