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New information has been released on Thursday on the investigation at the Grand Falls Casino.
On Wednesday, we told about an ongoing investigation involving minors. Now, Iowa's Division of Criminal Investigation tells KELOLAND News, after watching surveillance video from inside the casino and talking to members of the Big and Rich band, at least one of the minors was gambling.
The DCI says through its investigation it was able to verify the two girls, who were working for the Big and Rich country band, were underage.
"We were able to get a hold of the band that the girls were under contract and signed a waver form. Then using the information to check driver's licenses information, [we] also verified through video those were the right girls we have and that they were under 21 years of age," DCI agent Patrick Townsend said.
After the concert, both girls gained access to the casino floor. The video shows one of them wandered off with a group of people, but the other was seen with the band.
"The other gal who was with John Rich and some other people and employees of the casino who were with John went to a blackjack table and at least one time she placed a bet at a blackjack table," Townsend said.
A short time later, investigators say the girl was questioned by security and then removed from the casino floor. But as to how they gained access, investigators say they walked right in.
"At this point when they came through the casino entrance, it does not appear they were identified or attempted to be identified by security," Townsend said.
The DCI says the video tape also verifies, neither of the minors were drinking alcohol on the casino floor.
As for possible charges against the girl and fines against the casino? All bets are off.
"There's no doubt a conversation will take place with the county attorney up there to see what they are comfortable with. Once they've been able to read the report and I don't have a good answer for you until more of the facts are all together," Townsend said.
Grand Falls Casino has already been fined twice this year for allowing underage minors to gamble or drink.
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