CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A 64-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of illegal gambling and involvement in organized crime following a raid at a Midtown business, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department.
The arrests came after a months-long investigation by the ministry’s Narcotics Vice Investigation Unit.
Rebecca Pelaez, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a state prison felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, the department said. Additional charges included promoting gambling, maintaining a gambling place, possession of gambling equipment, and violating the Nueces County Game Room Ordinance, which is a Class A misdemeanor.
The investigation began after a report of illegal gambling at the Morgan Entertainment Game Room on Morgan Avenue. During the investigation, detectives seized a substantial amount of gambling equipment and over $4,800 in cash. Eight patrons were issued citations on gambling charges and released at the scene.
The operation was assisted by Texas Comptroller’s Office personnel who monitor coin-operated machines, and no violations were found in this regard. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected, the police department said.
The Corpus Christi Police Department has stressed that game rooms that pay cash rewards are involved in illegal gambling and warned that both patrons and management could face criminal charges. The department continues to work with local, state, and federal partners to combat illegal gambling and enforce Texas gambling laws.
