Felony Judgement in Gambling Case
Corpus Christi Police Department
CORPUS CHRIST, TEXAS (News Release) - The Corpus Christi Police Department Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division (NVID) Detectives executed a search warrant on August 29, 2024. This would be the second time that the Player’s Lounge had been raided in less than a year. The first raid occurred on January 11, 2024. In both cases, Detectives were able to establish the owner and manager for the location.
The Player’s Lounge, located in a strip mall on the 3400 block of South Padre Island Drive, was the subject of a months-long investigation that uncovered evidence of ongoing illegal gambling activities. NVID Detectives, with assistance from CCPD Traffic Unit Officers and investigators from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, served the second warrant and seized a substantial amount of gambling equipment and more than $73,000 in cash.
Mark Pelaez (24) was identified as the Owner and he faced the following felony charges
First investigation – Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – State Jail Felony
Second Investigation – Money Laundering >30K<150K – Third Degree Felony
– Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – State Jail Felony
Brandon Roe (25) was identified as the Manager and he faced the following felony charges
First Investigation - Money Laundering >2500<30K – State Jail Felony
– Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – State Jail Felony
Second Investigation - Money Laundering >30K<150K – Third Degree Felony
– Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – State Jail Felony
On September 25, 2025, both defendants agreed to a plea deal involving both cases. The Defendants pled guilty to all the above felony charges. As part of the plea deal all the pending misdemeanor charges were dismissed.
The Corpus Christi Police Department reminds the public that any game room offering cash payouts is operating illegally. Both patrons and operators of such establishments may face criminal prosecution.
Anyone with information about illegal gambling operations is encouraged to contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at (361) 886-2600 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477).
