Hidalgo County authorities are cracking down on illegal gambling in Edcush
Date: 2023-10-06 Author: Kirill Zagoruyko Categories: EVENTS
Hidalgo County law enforcement has once again cracked down on illegal gambling activity, this time raiding the Tejano Treasures gaming room in Edcouch.
Tejano Treasures raid leads to arrests and confiscation of slot machines
During the Oct. 4 raid, deputies found numerous slot machines at Tejano Treasures, located at 100 E. Santa Rosa Ave. Those arrested included business owner Mohammad Shawn Butt, 30, and five others identified as Susana, 38. Amanda Romo, 47-year-old Yesenia Castaneda, 52-year-old Jeni Loredo, 42-year-old Juan Pablo Contreras and 32-year-old Cesar Gabriel Cervantes.
According to a statement released by the sheriff's office, those arrested were charged with operating a gambling establishment, possessing gaming devices and equipment, promoting gambling and engaging in organized criminal activity. The raid followed a series of similar operations in recent months as authorities stepped up a crackdown over the growing popularity of game rooms in Hidalgo County.
Sergeant Enrique Longoria, a spokesman for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, emphasized the importance of following state laws governing gambling activities. Texas law specifically prohibits businesses from operating eight-line jetliners offering cash prizes, except under certain conditions. The exception is that gaming rooms can only legally operate if non-cash prizes valued at less than $5 are awarded.
District Attorney Expresses Concern Over Recent Raids
Commenting on the situation, Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios said he was not surprised by the raid, given the blatant disregard for the law shown by some arcade operators, KRGV reported.
Another similar incident last week involved a crackdown on illegal gambling in Elsa, Hidalgo County, when 14 people were arrested and booked on multiple gambling-related charges after a raid at the Sizzling Sevens gaming parlor. During an operation carried out by various law enforcement agencies, a significant number of slot machines were discovered inside the Sizzling Sevens establishment. Individuals identified as possible game room operators have been extensively questioned and may face criminal charges.
Those caught gambling or operating illegal gaming rooms may be charged with offenses and face fines, highlighting the seriousness of engaging in such activity. The recent crackdown sends a clear signal that Hidalgo County law enforcement is committed to combating illegal gambling and ensuring companies comply with state regulations. The investigation into the Tejano Treasures raid continues as authorities continue efforts to crack down on illegal gambling operations in the region.
Tejano Treasures raid leads to arrests and confiscation of slot machines
During the Oct. 4 raid, deputies found numerous slot machines at Tejano Treasures, located at 100 E. Santa Rosa Ave. Those arrested included business owner Mohammad Shawn Butt, 30, and five others identified as Susana, 38. Amanda Romo, 47-year-old Yesenia Castaneda, 52-year-old Jeni Loredo, 42-year-old Juan Pablo Contreras and 32-year-old Cesar Gabriel Cervantes.
According to a statement released by the sheriff's office, those arrested were charged with operating a gambling establishment, possessing gaming devices and equipment, promoting gambling and engaging in organized criminal activity. The raid followed a series of similar operations in recent months as authorities stepped up a crackdown over the growing popularity of game rooms in Hidalgo County.
Sergeant Enrique Longoria, a spokesman for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, emphasized the importance of following state laws governing gambling activities. Texas law specifically prohibits businesses from operating eight-line jetliners offering cash prizes, except under certain conditions. The exception is that gaming rooms can only legally operate if non-cash prizes valued at less than $5 are awarded.
District Attorney Expresses Concern Over Recent Raids
Commenting on the situation, Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios said he was not surprised by the raid, given the blatant disregard for the law shown by some arcade operators, KRGV reported.
Another similar incident last week involved a crackdown on illegal gambling in Elsa, Hidalgo County, when 14 people were arrested and booked on multiple gambling-related charges after a raid at the Sizzling Sevens gaming parlor. During an operation carried out by various law enforcement agencies, a significant number of slot machines were discovered inside the Sizzling Sevens establishment. Individuals identified as possible game room operators have been extensively questioned and may face criminal charges.
Those caught gambling or operating illegal gaming rooms may be charged with offenses and face fines, highlighting the seriousness of engaging in such activity. The recent crackdown sends a clear signal that Hidalgo County law enforcement is committed to combating illegal gambling and ensuring companies comply with state regulations. The investigation into the Tejano Treasures raid continues as authorities continue efforts to crack down on illegal gambling operations in the region.
