Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has frozen all assets of Lipscomb city (population 2,086) over allegations of illegal bingo operations. The freeze stems from the city's alleged involvement with Jay's Charity Bingo, which Marshall claims was operating unlawfully.

The asset freeze has completely halted city operations, preventing employee payments and public services. Mayor Tonja Baldwin reports having to use personal funds for city expenses due to the inability to access municipal accounts.

The controversy began in September when five individuals at Jay's Charity Bingo were arrested for possessing stolen bingo terminals. These machines, still bearing Attorney General's Office evidence stickers, had been previously seized during an August raid in Selma before disappearing while awaiting a seizure order.

Marshall's lawsuit alleges that Lipscomb is responsible for licensing Jay's Charity Bingo and continues receiving "illegal funding" from gambling operations. This action follows an October 2022 Alabama Supreme Court ruling that only traditional bingo games are legal in the state.

The freeze will remain in effect until a December 2 court hearing. Marshall demands the city surrender all financial records before considering lifting the restrictions.

This enforcement action aligns with Marshall's ongoing campaign against electronic bingo, which he considers "a menace to public health, morals, safety, and welfare." The AG's office maintains that city officials must comply with state gambling laws and proper financial oversight.

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