Gambling bust leaves victims in wake

It has been three weeks since Maricopa County deputy sheriffs swept up four loosely connected gambling rings, the culmination of a two-year undercover operation.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that people would set up Internet gambling accounts, place bets online with payout and collections made in local businesses.

But for Dale Malee, who owns Teakwoods Tavern and Grill just across the freeway in Chandler, one of the businesses mentioned, it’s all news to him.

“If someone was operating as a bookie, we would know about that,” Malee said. “None of the staff had any knowledge of anything going on.”

He said that deputies have not interviewed him or any of his staff and that he has no idea why his business would be mentioned.

The sheriff’s department and the Arizona Attorney General’s office would not comment on what they call an ongoing investigation, but no charges have been brought against any Teakwoods employee.

The bust comes just days before Malee is planning to open a second Teakwoods, at the end of the month, in Ahwatukee Foothills at 3830 E. Ray Road, where the Tijuana Country Club used to be.

He’s waiting on a few final kitchen improvements before he receives his certificate of occupancy from the city, which will then recommend approval of his liquor license application with the state.

“We’re a family restaurant and in 10 years have never had a problem with the liquor board,” Malee said.

But the hint that some of the patrons of his Chandler business may have been placing bets has put a cloud over his new restaurant.

“People are calling me, asking if I’m going to be arrested,” he said. “It’s put a horrible strain on my family.”

--Doug Murphy can be reached at (480) 898-7914 or dmurphy@aztrib.com.