Fiona Simmons January 15, 2024 2 min read

Corpus Christi Police Bust Illegal Casino, Seize Cash and Drugs

The police seized multiple gambling devices, over $85,000 in cash, a vehicle and some marijuana.

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Police officers in Corpus Christi, Texas, have raided an illegal gambling venue, seizing a variety of items and making multiple arrests.

According to a report by KRIS, a local TV station, the property, which was officially a video arcade, doubled as an illegal casino. A raid was greenlit and carried out by officers on Thursday, leading to a crackdown on the operation.

The raid, KRIS pointed out, followed a month-long investigation.

In total, the police seized multiple gambling devices, over $85,000 in cash, a vehicle and some marijuana. In addition, the police arrested three people believed to have run the operation.

These include Brandon Roe, 23, Mallory Villarreal, 30, and Jillian Dunnahoo, 22, who were accused of promoting gambling, keeping a gambling place, possessing gambling devices, engaging in organized crime and laundering money.

KRIS pointed out that both money laundering and engagement in organized crime are state felonies and are punishable by up to two years in jail. The three people also risk a maximum fine of $10,000 each. The remaining charges, KRIS added, are Class A misdemeanors.

The TV station also pointed out that five adults in the game room were cited for gambling, which is a Class C misdemeanor in the state.

The Corpus Christi Police Department asked citizens to be vigilant, reminding them that game rooms that offer games with cash rewards are illegal. The CCPD added that patrons of such establishments also risk criminal charges.

Not the First Illegal Gambling Venue

This game room was not the first instance of an illegal gambling operation in the state. Back in March 2023, Nathan Nichols, a 46-year-old Corpus Christi resident, admitted to running an illegal gambling business. Nichols was also previously involved in the theft of US Army property in a separate case.

For reference, Nichols owned and operated Lady Luck and Theo’s Bar. Both of these businesses offered illegal gambling entertainment to their patrons, earlier reports say. The operations ran from March 2018 to August 2019.

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Fiona Simmons

Journalist

Although Fiona doesn't have a long-spanning background within the gambling industry, she is an incredibly skilled journalist who has built a strong interest in the constantly growing iGaming network. The team at Gambling News is glad to have her on our roster to help deliver the best stories as soon as they hit. Aside from writing, she loves to dabble in online casino games such as slots and roulette, both for her own enjoyment and also as research to better improve her understanding of the industry.

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6 Comments

Tony
January 15, 2024 at 6:02 pm

Reply

There’s a store around the corner from where I live have illegal gambling. I asked the police to help me bust these people but unfortunately they don’t want get involved, could you please help me solve this matter
J
January 16, 2024 at 5:20 am

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An/All gambling places in corpus pay out cash otherwise they would have zero business. Wtf wants to go gamble without the opportunity to win cash money when they hit. Makes no sense why anyone would think any of these game room establishments wouldn’t pay out for winnings
Mary
January 17, 2024 at 4:49 am

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Cops knew about this gameroom the whole time!! They paid for permits had real security guards….month long investigation what a lie everyone knew off duty cops wood go play too!!! There’s so many gamerooms & times markets stores that have slots!!! Cops just didn’t get paid thier share that’s why they got raided
Staci
January 19, 2024 at 2:17 pm

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To the one that trys to get a gameroom shut down? Why r u tryn to do that? What has it done to u? It doesnt effect u in any kind of negative way,so why go outa ur way to try n shut it down? Realize this when u do that thr employees will be back unemployed again and most of them have children they need to feed and support so think twice before u shut down a small local business owner jus becus u dont like theyre business,becus ur actions do cause a ripple effect and who are u to play god wit sumone lively hood
Asclear
January 19, 2024 at 2:33 pm

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To tony,
is there a good reason why you are so committed to getna gameroom shut down?
Letme ask u this, has it effected u in a negative way. Probly not so why are u trying to get it shut down? Do u realize people will be unemployed again,are u gona pay theyre bills are u gona feed theyre kids you gona repair theyre credit bc they lose everything bc it was hard enuff to find that job do u really think itll be easy for them to find another job,u r bored n u need a hobbie pay attention to ur life or get a life n stop focusing on sumthin that doesnt harm u in anyway.
London
January 22, 2024 at 9:36 am

Reply

Why is it so difficult for people to mind their freaking business? Is it because you have nothing better to do ? Is it because you want to be recognized by the community? Don’t be surprised what happens to snitches I’d be concerned but more concerned that nothing happens to them or maybe their loved ones.. mind your own people