Ohio Education Professional Operated Black-Market Gambling Ring in Secret
Title: High School Teacher Accused of Running an Illegal Gambling Ring in OhioPosted on: May 1, 2025, 05:06h.Last updated on: May 1, 2025, 05:06h.
Authors: Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc, Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming
A Vermilion High School teacher, Kristina Edmison, has been accused of running an intricate illegal gambling operation spanning over four years. The allegations have left the community shocked, particularly due to her professional role.
Edmison's Indictment
On March 21, 2025, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Edmison, aged 47, on 23 criminal charges, including gambling, money laundering, and corruption[3]. The indictment reveals a suspected network of unlicensed gaming machines, illegal bingo games, and shell companies designed to evade detection[3].
Falsified Associations
The indictment suggests that Edmison, along with co-defendants Lee Edmison Jr. and Lee Edmison III, employed false affiliations with organizations like the Ohio Junior Hockey Association and the Medina Youth Baseball Association to appear as if they were legally offering charitable gaming[3]. This illusion served to mask illicit gambling profits[3].
Illegal Bingo Games and Electronic Machines
The trio operated a network of illegal electronic bingo machines in at least 13 bars across Northeast Ohio, utilizing three business names—Modern Music & Games, K Zip Services and Repairs, and LJ Modern Properties LLC—to maintain the business[3][4]. They were solely responsible for setting up, maintaining, and repairing these gambling machines[3].
Ohio's RICO Charge
The group has been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony that Ohio calls its RICO charge[3][4]. This implies that they may have been involved in organized crime activities, as the law is designed to prosecute such syndicates.
Dismissal from Teaching Position
Edmison was informed by Vermilion Local Schools superintendent, Dr. David Hile, that she would be relieved of her duties with pay while the investigation continued[4]. He stated that the allegations, if proven true, would reflect a failure to maintain her professional dignity and ethical conduct[4].
Seized Assets
Authorities aim to seize approximately $33,000 in cash from seven bank accounts, as well as vehicles and property rumored to be tied to the gambling ring[4].
Potential Consequences
If convicted on the most serious charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, Edmison could face up to 11 years in prison[4]. She has not yet entered a plea and remains presumed innocent.
Sources:
- ["Woma teacher indicted on gambling charges, available at: https://www.fox8.com/news/womans-indicted-on-18-felony-charges-for-alleged-illegal-gambling-business-in-northeast-ohio/
- ["Corrupt Activity vs. Racketeering: What's The Difference?", available at: https://www.kent Legaldigest.com/corrupt-activity-vs-racketeering-whats-the-difference/
- ["Indicted Ohio Teacher Accused of Running Gambling Ring", available at: https://www.gambling.com/news/indicted-ohio-teacher-accused-of-running-gambling-ring/
- ["Ohio teacher accused of laundering money and gambling revenue for illegal gambling ring", available at: https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/04/19/ohio-teacher-accused-of-laundering-money-and-gambling-revenue-for-illegal-gambling-ring/]
- The social studies teacher indicted, Kristina Edmison, faces 23 charges including gambling, money laundering, and corruption, as a result of her alleged involvement in an Ohio gambling ring.
- The Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Edmison on March 21, 2025, revealing a suspected network of unlicensed gaming machines and illegal bingo games.
- The indictment suggests that Edmison, along with co-defendants Lee Edmison Jr. and Lee Edmison III, used false affiliations with organizations like the Ohio Junior Hockey Association and the Medina Youth Baseball Association to mask illicit gambling profits.
- The trio operated illegal electronic bingo machines in at least 13 bars across Northeast Ohio, using three business names to maintain the business.
- authorities aim to seize approximately $33,000 in cash from seven bank accounts, as well as vehicles and property rumored to be tied to the gambling ring.
- The group, which has been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (Ohio's RICO charge), may have been involved in organized crime activities.
- If convicted on the most serious charge, Edmison could face up to 11 years in prison.
- Kristina Edmison was dismissed from her teaching position at Vermilion High School while the investigation continues.
- The alleged crimes committed by Edmison have left the community shocked, particularly due to her professional role as a teacher.
- This story falls under general news, crime and justice, and casino-and-gambling, covering the true events surrounding the Ohio gambling charges brought against Kristina Edmison.