Defendants Sentenced in Illegal Gambling Operation
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jun 13, 2018, Comments Off
Courtesy Yanira Deleon,
(Laredo, Texas)-The Webb County District Attorney’s Office reports that Andres Gerardo Chavez-Lozano, Nubia Chavez and Alma Davila have been sentenced in connection to illegal gambling operations.
On June 7, 2017, Laredo Police Department Narcotic/Vice Division began an investigation of illegal gambling activities of known and unknown suspects that operate several slot machine amusement centers or “maquinitas” in the Laredo area.
Throughout the undercover investigations, cash payouts were given for redemption. The investigation revealed patterns of activity and consistent movement of large amounts of money transferred to and from Palace Amusement Center, AGC Transports, two residences and multiple banks.
The owners of this establishment, identified as Andres Gerardo Chavez-Lozano, 34, and Alma Davila, 57, removed profits made from the eight liner slot machines. Chavez-Lozano also opened two shell companies, used to conceal illegal proceeds generated through the gambling activities that were being conducted at the Palace Amusement Center.
Both owners conducted financial transactions by depositing cash derived from illegal gambling proceeds to facilitate the ongoing gambling operation and attempted to legitimize the currency derived from this illegal operation. Bank records also detailed that the deposits were made to multiple accounts under $10,000 to avoid reporting requirements under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Andres Gerardo Chavez-Lozano and Alma Davila, individuals determined to be the owners of the Palace Amusement Center, were arrested and charged with money laundering, engaging in organized criminal activity, gambling promotion and keeping a gambling place, a first-degree felony, a state jail felony and a class A misdemeanor in the State of Texas, respectively. Nubia Astrid Chavez, an employee of the establishment, was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and gambling promotion.
Andres Gerardo Chavez-Lozano plead guilty to one count of money laundering and was sentenced to five years probated for five before the 111th District Court. Judge Monica Notzon denied Chavez-Lozano’s request for deferred adjudication. Nubia Chavez plead guilty to gambling promotion and will serve one year probated for two years. Alma Davila plead guilty to gambling promotion and will serve11 months probated for two years.
The multi-agency operation included local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Laredo Police Department Narcotics/Vice Unit led the operation with the assistance of the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau Investigations.
Assistant District Attorney Ana de la Rosa prosecuted the case for the State.
Investigations into gambling operations will continue.
