Authorities investigating Southern Illinois lodge confiscate ma

HERRIN, Ill. -- A dozen video poker machines and their contents have been removed from the Elks Lodge in this Southern Illinois town.

Undercover agents with the state police and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission raided the lodge Monday.

Herrin Elks Exalted Ruler Scott Dillman said the lodge is accused of making cash payments to club members.

"We are not admitting any guilt or making any apology for our actions," Dillman said. "The work we do for this community and the Illinois Crippled Children's Fund speaks for itself. There is no organization more distinctly American than the Elks."

Al Burton, master sergeant with the Department of Criminal Investigation in Marion, said the raid was part of an ongoing investigation. He said Williamson County State's Attorney Charles Garnati would decide whether criminal charges will be filed against the lodge.

Longtime Elks member Terry McEvers said Monday's raid was unjust.

"I guess all the murderers and rapists are in jail and so now they're going after clubs like ours that do so much charitable work. I think what happened here today is ridiculous."