Besides the arrest of three people, the operation against an illegal gambling venue saw law enforcement seize 48 gambling machines
Law enforcement in Texas constantly fights illegal gambling and helps shut down unlawful establishments by conducting raids across the state. The extensive efforts help not only bring down illegal gambling dens but, in some cases, even uncover guns and drugs. In one such recent operation, an illegal gambling business was raided, and dozens of gambling devices were seized.
Police Shut Down Illegal Gambling Venue
The criminal case is from rural Weslaco. Two women and one man were arrested and subsequently charged for their suspected involvement in the illegal gambling business. According to MyRGV, citing data from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, the raid was conducted at Casino El Azul on the 6800 block of Mile 6 West Road in rural Weslaco.
Raiding the location, police uncovered and seized a total of 48 gambling machines. Moreover, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office seized an “undetermined amount of US currency.” The proceeds are likely tied to the illegal gambling activities that are suspected to have been ongoing at the location.
Suspects Face a Range of Charges
As noted, a total of three individuals have been arrested following law enforcement’s raids. A 50-year-old woman from Edinburg, identified with the initials A.G., as well as a 53-year-old McAllen woman identified with the initials M.A.R.B. were detained. Moreover, police arrested a 34-year-old Rio Grande City male identified with the initials A.H. The detainees are suspected of being employees at the illegal gambling venue.
All of the suspects were booked in at Hidalgo County jail. What’s known so far is that they are currently held on charges related to gambling promotion, participation in organized criminal activities, possession of gambling equipment and keeping a gambling place.
The charges, keeping a gambling place and possession of gambling equipment, are recognized as Class A misdemeanors. While such unlawful actions are not as serious when compared to felonies, they still carry a hefty penalty.
The punishment for keeping a gambling place can be up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. On the other hand, if a person is convicted of possession of a gambling device or equipment they can also be subjected to a fine of up to $4,000 and sent to jail for up to one year.
Still, any person is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law. It is currently unclear whether further individuals were involved in the illegal gambling scheme.
