Staff Report

Christopher W. Wittkamper

Mitchell A. Zeigler

COLUMBIA CITY — Two men are facing charges for allegedly running an illegal gambling operation in Columbia City.

Mitchell A. Zeigler, 59, 795 W. Ryan Road, Columbia City, is charged with promoting professional gambling and professional gambling, both level 6 felonies; and unlawful gambling, a class B misdemeanor.

Christopher W. Wittkamper, 40, 7225 Kensington Drive West, Fort Wayne, is charged with professional gambling, a level 6 felony; and unlawful gambling, a class B misdemeanor.

Between Dec. 4, 2024, and Aug. 22, 2025, the Indiana Gaming Commission received tips about illegal gambling being promoted and conducted in Columbia City by Zeigler.

According to court documents, the Indiana Gaming Commission was familiar with Zeigler from previous illegal gambling investigations in Fort Wayne.

In March, law enforcement conducted surveillance at an event venue in Columbia City where Zeigler was present. Officers saw Zeigler receive a delivery of three pizza boxes from a relative.

Vehicles belonging to many individuals who had recurring visits at the venue were also documented during multiple surveillance sessions. Upon further investigation, officers determined the vehicles’ owners were members of the public Facebook group “Fort Wayne Poker Players.”

In April, an individual told police that Zeigler’s operation used poker dealers from Fort Wayne previously associated with a recently closed casino operated by the Fort Wayne Elks. Zeigler also attempted to recruit players from Warsaw to come play poker.

Witnesses told police that the setup was “professional, with custom-built tables and a structured schedule,” with games allegedly being played three times a week.

Law enforcement determined players could reserve a seat at the games by directly texting Zeigler and contacted him on May 5. Through the texts, Zeigler acknowledged hosting games and provided participation instructions. Zeigler also told an individual that he rented the space for the games and provided players with food and drink.

In additional investigation, law enforcement estimated Zeigler’s operation could generate between $104,000 and $156,000 annually.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the venue on Aug. 22, and found multiple people at the illegal poker operation. Zeigler and Wittkamper were both present, with Wittkamper acting as a table dealer at the time.

Zeigler admitted he was solely responsible for managing and organizing the poker operation, acknowledging it was illegal due to its lack of government sanction. He also confirmed he personally collected money from players and distributed winnings.

Zeigler also allegedly said he previously operated an illegal poker game years ago at a pawn shop he owned in Columbia City. He claimed local police told him they would not intervene as long as he kept the activity discreet.

Zeigler also admitted to prior involvement in illegal gambling operations, specifically referencing participation in prior investigations in Fort Wayne.

Multiple players identified Wittkamper as a key facilitator in Zeigler’s illegal gambling operation.

Zeigler and Wittkamper have both already been arrested and released on bond.