Federal authorities announced that they were confiscating machines and other pieces of evidence while interrogating individuals at various locations in southeast Houston and Galveston County.
A series of well-coordinated raids by FBI agents throughout the day led to the shutdown of over a dozen gaming rooms in southeast Houston and Galveston County on Tuesday.
According to KHOU 11 sources, the raids are linked to a broad investigation into the corruption of public officials. At this time, we have not been able to confirm on the record which public officials are being investigated or their potential connection to the gaming rooms.
A total of 17 game rooms were raided by authorities. KHOU 11 reporter Matt Dougherty was present during one of the raids, which took place at a blue warehouse along Market Street in Houston’s Fifth Ward.
Around 4 p.m., plain-clothed federal agents were observed entering and exiting the building, creating a buzz of activity. Eventually, the gaming machines were transported out of the warehouse and loaded onto 18-wheelers.
In different areas of the town, a similar situation was occurring simultaneously. We witnessed law enforcement officials carrying boxes of evidence, and they also confiscated at least three gaming machines from Star Video on Broadway Street, which is located near the Gulf Freeway.
According to Beatriz Lopez, a customer at the establishment, she was in the middle of playing one of the machines when the federal authorities unexpectedly entered the premises. They instructed her to place her hands on top of the machine and proceeded to interrogate her. Lopez explained that she frequents the establishment for entertainment and relaxation purposes, as well as the opportunity to win cash instantly. She mentioned that she has even won up to $600 on these machines.
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According to an employee at a nearby restaurant, law enforcement was seen at the same location around three months ago.
The FBI’s Houston Field Office revealed in an email statement that the raids were conducted as part of a comprehensive operation authorized by the court. However, they were unable to disclose any further details regarding the matter.
The arrests made during the raids remain unclear.
Right now: we’re seeing multiple gaming machines being seized from a location raided by the FBI today. So far at least 3 of these machines have been taken, likely more are on the way. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/oF4Gq7Rdq4
— Troy Kless (@TroyKlessTV) September 24, 2024
