Corpus Christi gambling raid leads to eight arrests, $85,000 seized
Several people were charged last week after police raided a Corpus Christi, Texas, lounge and uncovered a gambling operation.
Police inspected the players' lounge game room during a court-ordered search. Police seized gaming equipment, more than $85,000 in cash, a vehicle and suspected marijuana.
Police stopped three suspects at a game room that described itself as a video arcade.
Arrested for money laundering
Brandon Roe, 23, Mallory Villarreal, 30, and Jillian Dunnahoo, 22, were each charged with Having gambling advertisements, operating a gambling establishment, possessing gambling equipment, engaging in organized crime and money laundering Corpus Christi TV station KRIS.
In addition, police have laid gambling charges against five people who were in the games room at the time of the attack.
In a statement after Thursday's raid, Corpus Christi police said it was illegal for the amusement park to pay out cash rewards. According to police, both the club's players and operators could face charges.
The raid was approved by a local judge, who was given evidence by the local prosecutor's office following an investigation into suspicious activity at the game room.
Previous Attacks
Last week's raids followed court-ordered searches last April of two other alleged gambling establishments in Corpus Christi. More than 80 people were summonsed and 13 employees arrested during the raids at two prime time arcades.
Police seized about $370,000 worth of gambling machines and cash, according to news reports.
"You go to the pool to swim," Corpus Christi police Lt. Michael Pena told local TV station KIII last year. "You go to a casino to gamble. It's an illegal facility."
Local news reports say the new game room rules take effect on January 3, 2023. A license is required to operate a game room and must meet other requirements. Many activities remain restricted or illegal.
Having a license does not absolve you of the responsibility for engaging in illegal gambling and you can still be arrested and charged with multiple crimes,” Corpus Christi Deputy Police Chief Todd Green told KIII last January.
It was unclear what the status of charges and summonses were for the suspects arrested in the raid.
More serious gambling charges can result in jail time, which can last several years. A citation results in a lighter penalty.
Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers are expected to consider legislation in the coming years that would allow destination casinos to open in the state. Texas law currently prohibits commercial casinos. While other lawmakers and casino companies are pushing to change the law, some influential politicians remain opposed to opening destination casinos in the state. Previous draft law rejected
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Source: www.casino.org
