A man has been arrested in relation to a raid at a central Laredo maquinitas where authorities seized over $40,000 and 79 eight-liners, authorities said.
Giovani Isidoro Avalos, 25, was served with an arrest warrant on April 12 charging him with gambling promotion.
Laredo police received information about illegal cash payouts to customers taking place at the Grand Power Amusement on 4502 San Bernardo Ave.
On Oct. 18, the LPD Narcotics and Vice Unit conducted an undercover operation at the maquinitas.
Two undercover officers entered the gaming establishment. They observed about 80 gaming machines. An undercover officer inserted $5 in a machine. Moments later, the undercover officer won $80, states the arrest affidavit.
Authorities recorded a second illegal payout on Oct. 28. This time, the undercover officer won $15 after inserting $5. The third illegal payout took place on Nov 15, when an undercover officer inserted $5 and won about $20 after playing for 15 minutes, authorities said.
On Nov. 17, the narcotics and vice unit along with the patrol division, the LPD Juvenile And Gang Enforcement Task Force and the Webb County District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at various locations throughout the city, including the Grand Power Amusement.
Five employees, including Avalos, were present at the time of the raid. Avalos was identified as a floor attendant. Part of his duties also included taking out the trash and cleaning the establishment. He was paid $400 weekly, court documents state.
Authorities seized assorted documents, $40,846, 79 eight-liners, among other items from the gaming establishment.