Texarkana Texas Police Department carried out a raid on a suspected gambling establishment in the 2700 block of New Boston Road and arrested two people this morning.
Detectives from the Special Investigation Section arrested Lee Dailey, 51, of Palestine, Texas and James Thompson Jr., 25, of DeKalb, Texas today after serving the search warrant at an unmarked store front business in Oaklawn Village. According to officials, Dailey is believed to own the business, and Thompson is an employee.
The building raised much suspicion as there is no sign on the door or windows that could indicate what type of business is located in the establishment. Visibility from the outside is blocked by red curtains on all windows and front door.
According to Texarkana Texas Police Department Spokesman Shawn Vaughn, they received information from citizens about the gambling operation approximately two weeks ago. During the course of the investigation, undercover officers entered the business on several occasions and paid to play the eight-liner games on computers inside the building. While there, they witnessed winnings being paid out to patrons in cash.
Today, officers seized thirty computers, an ATM machine, video surveillance system, and approximately $5,000 in cash from the building.
According to officials, both Dailey and Thompson were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. Thompson was also charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. They are currently being held in the Bi-State Jail. Bond has not yet been set.
The investigation continues, and additional arrests are expected.
