ANTI-GAMBLING OPERATION RESULTS IN DUAL SEARCH WARRANTS
Corpus Christi Police Department
Corpus Christi (News Release) - On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division served simultaneous search warrants at two independent game rooms located on the city’s south side, resulting in the arrests of 2 men and 3 women on illegal gambling charges.
Following up on tips which detailed illegal gambling occurring at game rooms located on the 4600 block of Kostoryz Road and on the 4700 block Kostoryz Road; NVID Detectives initiated an investigation. Detectives were able to establish probable cause which allowed them to apply for and obtain search warrants for the respective premises.
As a result of the search, officers arrested 31-year-old Justin Cantu, 71-year-old Mary Galvan, 30-year-old Yvette Herrera, 57-year-old Concepcion Rosas, and 20-year-old Jamie Luqueno. All 5 were charged with Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, and Possession of a Gambling Device. All three charges are class A misdemeanors under Texas law, punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a $4,000 fine. 34 patrons of the game rooms were issued warning citations for gambling and released at the scene. Two other patrons were arrested for Outstanding Felony Warrants. During the search, Detectives seized gambling equipment, cash, and other evidence of illegal gambling.
NVID Detectives were assisted in the operation by officers with the CCPD Operations Division and the Organized Crime Unit, as well as compliance inspectors from the City of Corpus Christi Development Services, and investigators with the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office, which regulates coin operated machines.
The Corpus Christi Police Department continues to collaborate with our local state and federal partners to investigate and combat illegal gambling. Investigators will continue to enforce all Texas gambling laws, which will help accomplish our mission to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and to improve the quality of life in our community.
