Texas: San Juan Police Arrests Four, Seizes 77 Illegal Gambling Machines

Despite the efforts of law enforcement across the United States, illegal gambling remains an issue and attracts millions of players. Not only are there unlicensed, offshore online casinos and betting platforms but oftentimes, police bust illegal gambling dens.

In one such criminal case from San Juan, Texas, a total of four individuals, suspected of being involved in illegal gambling, were recently arrested and charged. The arrests follow a raid by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) on Wednesday this week.

At the time, police executed a search warrant at the Quinta Ximena on 4600 Block of S. Stewart Rd. Initially, HCSO detained and subsequently arrested four individuals, suspected of being involved in the illegal gambling business.

Two women were arrested during the raid, both aged 21. One of them was identified with the initials F.H., while one was with the initials F.S. In addition, a 47-year-old male suspect with the initials F.A. as well as another male with the initials J.A.G., 33, were also arrested.

“On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 6:00 pm., HCSO Investigators executed a search warrant at the Quinta Ximena, which is located at 4600 Block of S. Stewart Rd. in San Juan, Texas for Illegal Gambling,“

reads a statement released by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office

Illegal Gambling Machines Seized, Suspects Charged

According to the HCSO, there is an ongoing criminal investigation into the illegal gambling business. Moreover, police encouraged witnesses who have information about the case to come forward. This can be done by contacting the HCSO at 956-383-8114 or if witnesses prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477).

Per the HCSO, the four arrestees are suspected of being employed by the illegal gambling venue. During the raid, police uncovered and seized a total of 77 gambling machines. Additionally, law enforcement seized an undetermined amount of money in US currency.

Each of the arrested suspects currently faces charges for gambling promotion, possession of gambling device/equipment, keeping a gambling place as well as engaging in organized criminal activity. On the other hand, the 33-year-old male, who likely attempted to flee the crime scene, was also charged with resisting arrest and evading arrest on foot.

The recent report doesn’t confirm if any of the suspects or police officers sustained any injuries during the arrest. It is unclear how long the illegal gambling business operated before its recent shutdown.