La Jolla Redemption Center Searched In Regards to Illegal Gambling

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS -- Earlier this afternoon, Investigators with the San Angelo Police Department’s Street Crimes Division, DPS Criminal Investigations Division, and Homeland Security Investigations executed an Evidentiary Search Warrant at the La Jolla Redemption Center, located at 4202 Sherwood Way, in regards to illegal gambling activity.

The warrant, issued by District Judge Jay Weatherby, directed Investigators to seize items consistent with Texas Penal Code Sections 47.03 Gambling Promotion, Section 47.04 Keeping a Gambling Place, Section 47.06 Possession of Gambling Devices, Equipment, or Paraphernalia, and Section 71.02 Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

During the search, Investigators located and seized several items consistent with those mentioned in the warrant as well as approximately three thousand ($3,000) dollars in silver and approximately twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars in U.S. currency.  

Numerous patrons and employees were interviewed during the course of the operation and charges are pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.  

Area law enforcement officials will continue their investigation of local establishments and their business operators who furnish and maintain sweepstakes and gambling machines, as such establishments serve as a breeding ground for further criminal activity, such as robbery, drug use or trafficking, violent crimes, and other felonious offenses.  The San Angelo Police department added, that the continued operation of such establishments pose a direct threat to the welfare and safety of the citizens of San Angelo and Tom Green County.