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OPERATION BISHOP RAIDS SANTA MARIA EIGHT-LINER ESTABLISHMENT
- Updated: December 20, 2013
Operation Bishop investigators raided an underground eight-liner establishment in Santa Maria Monday night that utilized a hidden entrance and escape route for its patrons.
The establishment, located on Hwy 281 about 1.5 miles west of the FM 506 intersection, paid illegal amounts of cash to its patrons. Upon consent to search, $608 was seized. There were 12 patrons at the establishment with 23 eight-liner machines.
“We have shut down about 97 percent of illegal-gambling businesses in Cameron County,” District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said. “What we are finding are pockets of hidden locations that we have and will find.”
Upon arrival at the establishment, an individual attempted to flee but was apprehended by investigators. Santa Maria resident Luis Martinez was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. No other arrests were made. The establishment and its owner remain under investigation.
The District Attorney’s Office has advertised in the newspaper, sent out notices, advised owners and patrons and conducted numerous media interviews about what is deemed illegal-gambling activity.
According to state law and the Attorney General, eight-liner and sweepstakes businesses that give cash prizes of $5 or more, even if some or all proceeds benefit a non-profit/charity, are deemed an illegal-gambling operation. It is estimated that the eight-liner/sweepstakes industry generates at least $300 million annually.
Operation Bishop – the culmination of an 18-month criminal investigation of illegal gambling in Cameron County – began raids of illegally operated eight-liner and sweepstakes businesses in April.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz leads the Operation and credits the joint efforts of law enforcement and municipalities for its continued success.
Agencies participating in the raid were: The Department of Homeland Security, Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, Cameron County Constable’s Office – Precinct 5, South Padre Island PD, and Combes PD.
