Crazy Aggies
Posted by Josh Hoptay on December 15, 2004

Another one bites the dust.

Out of the Bryan-College Station newspaper The Eagle:

Four people were arrested and 18 citations were issued Monday night after law enforcement officials busted what they described as a “high-stakes” gambling operation in Bryan.

...[snip snip]...

What made this large operation illegal is that the house was taking a cut, officers said.

Upon entering the building officers saw a casino setup, with about 10 kidney-shaped tables and a waitress serving food and alcoholic drinks, Dickson said.

About 25 people were in the facility at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, and 18 of them were issued a citation for gambling. The Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $500, Dickson said.

Police arrested 28-year-old Shawn Michael Lauderdale, who authorities believe was in charge of the operation, and two accused dealers, 30-year-old Jose Guadalupe Galvan Jr. of Bryan and 48-year-old Harold Ray Eaton of Houston. Each is charged with promotion of gambling, intentionally or knowingly operating a gambling place and possession of gambling paraphernalia — all Class A misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and a year in jail.

...[snip snip]...

More than $20,000 in cash was seized from the home and office building...

The article goes on to discuss how the bust was a product of a three month investigation that was inspired by some of the recent poker robberies in Austin and Waco.

Read the full article here.