Precinct 1 Illegal Game Room Operation results in thousands seized

HARRIS COUNTY, TX -- The Office of Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen recently conducted an investigation involving an illegal gambling operation seizing 20 gaming machines and about $13,507 in cash. During the investigation in the 700 block of Normandy Street, a business in Harris County, Texas, video gaming devices were observed inside this business, a gas station, some in open view and some in what was determined to be a hidden area of the gas station. The investigation determined that illegal cash payouts were being provided by some of the employees/individuals at the gas station from winnings made by patrons while playing on the gaming devices. The investigation also revealed there was an additional game room operating within the same shopping center as the gas station.

This new location was also found to be making illegal cash payouts to patrons playing on several gaming devices. This location had no known name and was acting in an underground capacity consistent with illegal criminal gaming activity recognized by our Special Investigations Unit. It was also determined both locations are jointly involved with each other in this activity. On November 11, 2021, search warrants were prepared and executed on both locations.

Charges are pending for individuals involved in this operation pending confirmed identification and forwarding to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for various violations involving illegal gambling.

During the execution of the search warrant, Darren Dwayne Brown was found hiding behind one of the gaming devices and arrested after it was discovered he was wanted for Evading Arrest/Detention with a Motor Vehicle out of Harris County, Texas. We will not be providing sound for this incident.

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