button in Safari$118K Seized and Four Arrested for 'Illegal Gambling' in Poker Room Raid
Texas police seized $118,000 and made four arrests over an alleged "illegal gambling operation" after raiding a popular card room in the Houston area.
Houston police raided the 101 Poker Club in Katy, Texas with guns drawn on Thursday. The reason for the raid wasn't immediately clear, but multiple sources told PokerNews that the room doesn't follow the standard Texas model of charging a seat fee based on time, which could conflict with the state's strict anti-gambling laws.
The Houston Police Department announced on social media on Saturday that its Vice Division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office had seized funds and arrested four suspects "charged with engaging in organized criminal activity on Thursday (Oct. 22)."
Despite the money seizure and arrests, the 101 Poker Club reopened for business less than 24 hours after the raid.
More Trouble in Texas
The four suspects who were arrested are: Stephen Hohman, Brian Keegan, Laura Respondek and Randolph Reynolds. There are also charges pending against a fifth unnamed suspect.
Police released several photos apparently showing multiple poker games underway at the time of the raid, including photos of seized chips, cash and a money counting machine.
Police did not provide any specifics about the alleged illegal activity, and charges weren't listed online by the Harris County Sheriff's Office as of Saturday afternoon.
PokerNews previously reported that at least one staff member was arrested during the raid. Players were immediately let go after police entered the room, but dealers and staff were detained.
Video taken outside the poker room during the raid shows multiple police vehicles in the parking lot and officers blocking the entrance.
Despite the state's strict anti-gambling laws, Texas law leaves the possibility of spreading poker gambles so long as rake isn't collected. Sources told PokerNews that 101 Poker Club does charge memberships fees at the club, but has been taking chips out of pots.
The raid is the latest is in a larger crackdown on rooms in the Houston area that police say are skirting the law. One such room, Lucky J Social Club, was raided in May using drones but quickly reopened and is now offering addition non-poker table games, which is not legal in Texas.
*Photos courtesy of Houston Police Department
