Special to The Beacon
NAHUNTA — A local business was issued citations and appearance summonses from agents with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Nahunta Police Department.
SHRI LALITA TRIPURA, LLC, doing business as OM Food Mart, located in Nahunta at 9757 Main Street South, was served papers Monday, April 7, 2025 for violations of Georgia’s gambling laws.
This enforcement action stems from a joint investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) Commercial Gambling Unit and the Nahunta Police Department.
Investigators discovered OM Food Mart was operating coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) and unlawfully compensating customers with tobacco products in exchange for winning credits.
Under Georgia law, COAMs must be properly licensed through the Georgia Lottery Corporation, and winnings may only be redeemed for lottery tickets or eligible store merchandise — excluding both tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
During the course of the investigation, additional concerns emerged regarding the sale of vape products to minors. Authorities determined high school-aged teens had been purchasing vape products from this same location.
Nahunta Police Chief Brad Todd personally met with the business owner to deliver a direct and uncompromising warning.
“If you choose to violate our local laws and especially by placing our youth at risk — you will be held fully accountable,” said Todd with his warning. “We will not tolerate the sale of prohibited items to minors. Both the business and responsible employees will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The City of Nahunta has zero tolerance for those who endanger the well-being of our community.”
Chief Todd also expressed his appreciation for the strong working relationships that made this investigation successful.
“We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and for the professionalism, expertise and dedication demonstrated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Commercial Gambling Unit,” said the chief. “This case was handled with the utmost respect, precision and textbook execution.”
The Nahunta Police Department remains committed to enforcing all applicable laws and to protecting the youth and integrity of the community.
