Eagle Stop owner hit with gambling charges after raid

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The owner of Eagle Stop convenience stores has been charged with promoting illegal gambling after a raid on a Columbia store.

Anthony Gier of Eldon was charged Tuesday by the Missouri Attorney General's Office with four felony counts of promoting illegal gambling. An office spokeswoman said the case is related to the seizure of video gambling machines from the Eagle Stop station on North Providence Road in Columbia.

The charges were brought in Boone County.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway plans to hold a news conference later Tuesday about the illegal gaming machine issue. Hanaway secured an agreement from Torch Electronics, which provides the machines to stores, last month for Torch to suspend operations in Missouri.

The case is expected to be discussed at the news conference.

Details about the charges were not posted in online court records. Gier's first court appearance is set for June 26.

Check back for updates to this developing story.