Gambling Charges Filed Against Five In Tulsa

Charged with participating in an illegal gambling business were Tim Wayne Bowman, 55, John Wallis Stefanoff, 71, Teresa Ross Duncan, 43, Donald F. Bales, 46, and Glenda M. Walker, 52.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles McLoughlin said Bowman operated the Armadillo Lounge, Stefanoff ran the Bounty Lounge, Ms. Duncan operated the Cimarron Bar, Bales operated Jack's Place in Claremore, and Ms. Walker ran the Woodcrest Lounge.

McLoughlin said the charges carry maximum terms of five years in prison upon conviction.

The charges Thursday are the first filed following a massive Sept. 18, 1998, sweep that resulted in Tulsa County sheriff's deputies and federal agents raiding 37 bars and 13 other locations and seizing more than 120 gambling machines.

McLoughlin said other charges were expected.

In a similar federal illegal gambling case, former Ottawa County Sheriff James Ed Walker and businesses located near Grand Lake were investigated.

Walker pleaded guilty March 3, 1997, to a single count of aiding and abetting an illegal gambling business. He said he entered the plea for health reasons and because of his high legal bills.

In July 1997, Walker was sentenced to two years in prison.

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