FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 14, 2008
Early Monday morning, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit served three gambling search and arrest warrants which were signed by Judge Fred Edwards of the 9th Judicial District Court. These warrants were served after a lengthy investigation involving a North Carolina business that opened illegal eight liner gambling locations in Montgomery County. The addresses of the gambling locations were 23736 Hwy 59 Porter, Texas, known as SUGARS and 23120 Payne Road New Caney, Texas, known as the Taj Mahal.
The residence of the operators was searched and was located in the 21300 Blk of Atascocita Place, Humble, Harris County, Texas. Approximately $33,000.00 in US currency was seized along with other gambling paraphernalia, receipts, and other related documentation. A small amount of marijuana, a pistol, and a Taser were also seized at the residence. The mother boards were removed form the eight liner machines which are the brains to the machines. Ten arrest warrants were issued with 8 suspects being arrested on this date.
More arrests are expected as this investigation continues.
The SIU was assisted by DPS Special Crimes Unit, Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force, District 3 patrol, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office VICE division.
Charges: Engaging Organized Criminal Activities (SJF), Keeping a Gambling Place (Misd A), Possession Gambling Device (Misd A), Gambling Promotion (Misd A)
1. Robert Baker w/m 08-23-1950 of Splendora
2. Michael Hayes w/m 08-22-1971 of North Carolina AKA Michael Carl Hay 10-29-1980
3. Jason Brown w/m 01-01-1975 of North Carolina
4. Kevin Arrowood w/m 01- 17-1977 of North Carolina
5. Robin Simkins w/f 08-28-1980 of Spring
6. Barbara Free w/f 12-30-1942 of New Caney
7. Barbara Rice w/f 03-20-1946 of Cleveland
8. Elaine Morris w/f 02-17-1952 of Porter
Abbreviations
Misd A = Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and/or a maximum of one year in jail.
SJF = State Jail Felony – Punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 and confinement in state jail for 180 days to 2 years.
