State of Oklahoma Files Notice to Forfeit Horse Track Property

01/15/2008 -- The state of Oklahoma today filed a Notice of Seizure and Intended Forfeiture in Love County District Court to begin the process of forfeiting 96.8 acres used in the operation of an illegal Oklahoma horse racing operation, Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson said today.

Officers from several Oklahoma law enforcement agencies raided the track, called Red River Playground, in July. The was site used for illegal horse racing and other gambling operations including dice and card games, prosecutors allege.

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“The land is owned by the Zenobio A. Valeri Irrevocable Trust,” Edmondson said. “We allege the trustees knew illegal commercial gambling was occurring on the property and it is therefore eligible for seizure and forfeiture.”

If the state is successful in its forfeiture proceeding, the land will be sold at auction.

The property owners have 60 days to respond to the state’s notice.

Source: Oklahoma Attorney General