posted Aug. 20 -

More than 50 South Texas lawmen from four different agencies rushed out of the parking lot west of the 300 block of North Washington Street Friday night and raided four popular eight-liner parlors armed with weapons and search and arrests warrants.

It was the second time since September 2003 that local enforcement officers moved to shut down what prosecutors believe are illegal gambling operations in Bee County.

Bee County Sheriff Carrizales Jr. said 13 people eventually were taken into custody on felony and misdemeanor charges, all connected with the four eight-liner businesses.

“Over one year ago, the BCSO, after several complaints from concerned citizens, initiated an investigation into alleged illegal gambling operations,” Carrizales said.

The sheriff approached the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Intelligence Service to assist his own Criminal Investigation Division in making cases against the suspected businesses.

“BCSO Lt. Jason Hinds with the assistance of DPS Sgt. Drew Pilkington coordinated undercover operations in which a deputy was able to establish the fact that illegal gambling was occurring at the locations,” Carrizales said.

Because of the complexity of the business practices at the establishments in question, it took months for undercover officers to infiltrate the illegal gambling houses.

Anyone who drove through the parking lot just west of the 300 block of North St. Mary’s Street about 9 p.m. Friday probably realized something was about to happen.

Officers from the sheriff’s department gathered there with investigators from the DPS Criminal Intelligence Service, DPS narcotics investigators, representatives of the Corpus Christi Police Department and deputies from the San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team to prepare for the raids on the businesses.

A couple of dozen vehicles left the parking lot at the same time, driving directly to the four businesses. However, deputies soon learned that someone apparently had tipped off at least three of the targeted businesses. All but one of the establishments was closed for one reason or another.

Carrizales said his department seized 203 gambling devices worth an estimated value of a half million dollars, approximately $12,000 in currency and about $5,000 in fixtures, including televisions and other property related to the operations.

Those arrested included Joyce Temple, 32, Luis “Tony” Rivera, 50, Marlene Rivera, 47, Joy Greenwood, 47, Patricia Kopecky, 64, and Sandra Menchaca, 42.

Hinds said each of those suspects was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a state jail felony punishable by a term of from six months to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of as much as $10,000.

The defendants also were charged with keeping a gambling place and possession of gambling devices, equipment and paraphernalia. Each of those charged is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of as much as $4,000 and up to one year in jail.

Others charged included Kimberly Rosenbaum, 24, Nancy Lara, 39, Patricia Lopez, 47, San Juanita Duran, 50, Joy Resendez, 33, Brian Randall, 38, and Misty Stokes, 22.

Each of those suspects was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a state jail felony, and gambling promotion, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

Deputies cited Chapter 47.01 of the Texas Penal Code which said a gambling place is any building used for playing of gambling devices.

The establishments raided included Lucky Tri, a gameroom located 1308 S. St. Mary’s St., Lucky Bucks, located in the 1600 block of North St. Mary’s Street, Touch of Vegas on U.S. Highway 59 east of the city, and Horseshoe Fun and Games at 2400 W. Corpus Christi St.

Investigators said a gambling device is described as anything that pays ten times the amount charged to play the game or device or $5, whichever is less.

Also, gambling places must not reward their customers with cash.

BCSO Chief Deputy Alden Southmayd said more arrests are expected as the investigation into the gambling activity continues.