Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI (News Release) - Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division (NVID) served a search warrant Tuesday afternoon at a business on the city’s south side, resulting in the arrests of three men on illegal gambling and engaging in organized crime charges.

Responding to a tip of illegal gambling taking place inside the Diversion Center Game Room, 7114 Saratoga Blvd #122, NVID Detectives initiated a months-long investigation which culminated with the issuance of a search warrant for the premises.

As a result of the investigation and search, officers arrested Jason Cano, age 29; Arturo Gomez, age 31, and Alejandro Rosas-Baez, Age 48. All three were charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine. The three suspects were additionally charged with Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, and Possession of a Gambling Device. Cano was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. The lone patron of the game room was issued a citation for gambling and released at the scene. During the search, Detectives seized a substantial amount of gambling equipment, over $5,500 cash, two handguns, and other evidence of illegal gambling. Two vehicles were impounded and are subject to possible asset forfeiture.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible. 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.