Modern Day Jesse James Rob’s Bingo Hall

The infamous Jesse James bad boy American outlaw was the notorious bank robber in the late 1800's. Perhaps compelled and inspired by his namesake, Jesse James Hall had a reputation to live up to. Jesse 64 and his partner in crime Juanita Hall 54, played modern day robbers stealing from a bingo hall in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Unfortunate for him he was not quite as successful as the original gangster of his time.

Bingo halls in the US are predominately operated to raise money for charitable causes. The two ran the Bingo Parlor in Bell County. They were under investigation for two months before their final arrest was made. Police made a statement saying that the funds were never placed in charitable organizations. Instead, the charity started at home for the working duo. The husband and wife team were taking the proceeds and using them for personal purposes.

Police got a warrant to search their home and his vehicle that was used to enforce the law. Jesse a Bell County Constable, is not above the law just because he wears a badge and has a position of authority according to Walt Meachum with the Kentucky State Police. Stating “that still does not stop him from being arrested for certain things like this”. Police reported that he will be charged just like any other person.

Jesse James Hall was charged with five felony counts of diverting charitable gaming funds. Also charged with a misdemeanor failing to make deposits of funds according to Marty Hammons, commissioner of the Department of Charitable Gaming. His wife Juanita was charged with four counts of diverting charitable gaming funds. The exact money allegedly stolen has not been released. As the investigation continues more charges may be brought forward. Hammons had this to say in a news release “Anytime charities are cheated out of the dollars they expect to receive from the operation of charitable gaming, the people of Kentucky are the victims”.

The couple are now behind bars and if found guilty Jesse will lose his constable title. Jesse James Hall may of went on the wrong side of the law. But his name says it all, right down to the last name “Hall”. Trading banks and trains for bingo “hall” thievery, was he destined to be an outlaw from the moment he was given his birth name? The jury is still out.
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