A 56-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of running an illegal gambling operation at a Wilmington establishment was arrested following an undercover investigation.

The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) launched its investigation after receiving a complaint of illegal gambling at Cheney’s I on the Pike located on Newport Gap Pike. During the investigation, DATE Agents identified four electronic gambling machines that were ready for play. The undercover agents placed money into these machines and won multiple credits which were later exchanged for cash. On August 23, DATE Agents raided the business seizing the four gambling machines and $2,181 in cash.

Gary Nattress, the owner, was arrested and charged with advanced gambling 2nd degree, possession of a gambling device, and providing a premises for gambling. He was arraigned at J.P. Court #10 and released on an unsecured bond.

In his weekly message, Governor Markell speaks to the dedication of first responders, especially remembering the service of New Castle County Police officer, Sergeant Joseph Szczerba, whose life was tragically cut short in the line of duty when he was stabbed after chasing a suspect.

“What defines you, our state’s first responders?” asked the Governor.  “ Purpose and meaning.   Strength and service.  Choosing to run towards, not away, from danger ….because it’s your job.  Because it’s your calling…..knowing all along that some may not take the time to think of the daily sacrifice you make, of the daily risks you run, or the threats you may face.”

This week, state flags were lowered to honor the life of Sgt. Szczerba, who served for 18 years on the New Castle County Police Force. On Wednesday, county officials awarded posthumous honors to Sergeant Szczerba promoting him to lieutenant.

“We grieve for his family, his friends, his fellow officers.   His death is a tragedy but his life an inspiration.  When we think of him today, and when he is remembered for years to come, let us reflect on his strength, let us recall his courage and let us answer with the clarity and conviction he commanded each day,” said the Governor.  “ The call to serve –  to work each day, to achieve in each of our own, limited lives, a measure of the difference he made is to keep this great state moving forward.  Sergeant Szczerba – we will remember you.”

About the Governor’s Weekly Message:
At noon every Friday, a new video message is posted to the Governor’s website and YouTube channel and is distributed to Delaware media outlets.   Transcripts of the messages are posted and the audio version of the Governor’s message is available on iTunes as a podcast for distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.   The Governor’s weekly message is currently being carried on the air and posted on websites by various media outlets, and the direct link is:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGldEiN6tnQ

Constituents, media outlets and others are free to link to the Governor’s video message on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/user/GovernorMarkell – or on his Facebook page – www.facebook.com/governormarkell – or on the Delaware State website at http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml.  All are also invited to follow him on Twitter – www.twitter.com/governormarkell – and submit ideas through http://ideas.delaware.gov

Transcript of Governor’s Message