Four Arrested Following Game Room Raid
Corpus Christi Police Department
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division dismantled yet another illicit gambling operation Thursday afternoon the city’s south side. Continuing their initiative to eliminate illegal gambling within the Corpus Christi city limits, NVID Detectives served a search warrant at the Pure Game Room, located on the 5800 block of South Staples Street, shortly after 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025,
The search warrant was the conclusion of a month’s long investigation into the business that uncovered evidence of illegal gambling.
During the search, Detectives found and seized 125 pieces of gambling equipment and over $12,000 in cash. Edward Gutierrez, age 29, Johnny Perales, age 56, Jamie Mott, age 21, were arrested and charged with gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of a gambling device, violation of the Nueces County Game Room Ordinance, and engaging in organized criminal activity. Melinda Delapaz, age 28, was charged with gambling promotion and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Engaging in organized criminal activity is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine, while the other charges are class A misdemeanors. Thirteen adult patrons inside the game room were cited for gambling, a class C misdemeanor.
This investigation continues, and additional charges and arrests are likely. The Corpus Christi Police Department reminds citizens that game rooms which pay out cash rewards are engaging in illegal gambling. Patrons as well as the management of these establishments may face criminal charges.
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.
