Illegal Gambling Operation Found

Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - Continuing their initiative to eliminate illegal gambling within the Corpus Christi city limits, detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division served simultaneous search warrants Thursday afternoon at a storefront business and a related residence on the city’s south side. Following a months-long investigation into the business that uncovered evidence of illegal gambling, detectives secured search warrants for the Player’s Lounge game room, located in a strip mall on the 3400 block of SPID, and the residence on the 8200 block of Olympic Drive.

During the searches, detectives seized gambling equipment, over $85,000 cash, one vehicle, and a small quantity of marijuana. Brandon Roe, age 23, Mallory Villarreal, age 30, and Jillian Dunnahoo, age 22 were arrested and charged with gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of a gambling device, engaging in organized criminal activity, and money laundering. Engaging in organized criminal activity and money laundering are both state jail felonies, punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine, while the other three charges are class A misdemeanors. Five adult patrons inside the game room were cited for gambling, a class C misdemeanor.

This investigation continues, and additional charges and 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.

NVID Detectives were assisted in the operation by officers with the CCPD Traffic Unit 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.