Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division (NVID) served a search warrant Thursday afternoon at a mid-town business resulting in the arrest of one woman on illegal gambling and engaging in organized crime charges.  Responding to a tip of illegal gambling taking place inside the Morgan Entertainment Game Room, 1302 Morgan Avenue, NVID Detectives initiated a months-long investigation which culminated with the issuance of a search warrant for the premises.  As a result of the investigation and search, officers arrested Rebecca Pelaez, age 64, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine.  In addition, Pelaez was charged with Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, and Possession of a Gambling Device.  Pelaez was also charged with violating the Nueces County Game Room ordinance, a Class A misdemeanor.  Eight patrons of the game room were issued citations for gambling and released at the scene.  During the search, Detectives seized a substantial amount of gambling equipment and over $4,800.00 cash.  CCPD Detectives were assisted on this operation by an agent with the Texas Comptroller’s Office, which monitors coin operated machines. No violations were found.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.  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 should expect to face criminal charges. 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.