PRESS RELEASE — Tuesday evening, May 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a game room located at 10930 Hwy 12 in Mauriceville. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Orange Police Department, Orange County Precinct Two Constable, and the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office.

After numerous citizens’ complaints, an investigation was initiated into the illegal gambling practices of the game room that once was a restaurant. During the search warrant a large number of evidentiary items were seized. Among the items collected were motherboards from the gambling devices, electronic equipment, a sum of U. S. currency, and a firearm.

Under Texas penal code section 47 it is a class A misdemeanor to operate or participate in earnings of a gambling place or to receive, record, or forward a bet or an offer to bet. A bet is defined as an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance. It is also a class A misdemeanor to own, rent, or have control of property being used to

The investigation into the illegal practices and operation of this game room continues and charges are expected to be filed with the Orange County District Attorney’s office for review.

Orange County Sheriff Merritt warns any game room operators and/or participants that investigators with the Sheriff’s Office will be looking into the legitimacy of any of these types of establishments. Merritt has had many complaints from citizen’s regarding game rooms around Orange County and will not hesitate to bring justice to those that do not abide by the law.

If you know of illegal game rooms or any other criminal activity, you can call the Sheriff’s Office at 409-883-2612 or to remain anonymous (and receive a possible cash reward) contact CrimeStoppers at 409-833-TIPS (8477) or visit www.833TIPS.com.