🎰 FBI Raids 17 Game Rooms Across Houston Area: Public Officials May Be Involved 🎰

Federal agents have taken swift action, raiding 17 game rooms across southeast Houston and Galveston County on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The FBI’s coordinated operation led to the shutdown of these establishments as they seized gaming machines and questioned people inside.

The most notable raid unfolded at a blue warehouse along Market Street in Houston's Fifth Ward around 4 p.m., where plain-clothed federal agents were seen walking in and out. The agents eventually wheeled out gaming machines and loaded them onto 18-wheelers. Similar operations took place across Houston and in Galveston County, including at well-known spots like the Big Easy Game Room in La Marque and the Jungle Den in Hitchcock.

One of the game rooms, Star Video on Broadway Street, saw a surprising visit from agents as Beatriz Lopez was in the middle of playing. She shared that agents ordered her to put her hands on the machine and began questioning her. Lopez has frequented this establishment for over a year, mentioning she plays for entertainment, though winnings are rare.

While federal officials remain tight-lipped about the details of this sweeping investigation, sources suggest it may be part of a broader probe involving corruption linked to public officials. As of now, it remains unclear if any arrests have been made or the extent of the officials’ involvement. The FBI’s Houston Field Office has only described this as a “sweeping court-authorized operation.”

Stay alert and informed, neighbors! We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.

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