Comments on: Houston Tourney Raided http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/ Texas Hold'em and Las Vegas WSOP Poker Blog, now with PLO too! Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:03:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: crazy dave http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-181468 crazy dave Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:08:00 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-181468 no no

]]> By: Nichole http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-180370 Nichole Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:55:50 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-180370 Can someone email or text me where i can play in SW Houston please. Can someone email or text me where i can play in SW Houston please.

]]> By: a passer by http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-156294 a passer by Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:17:23 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-156294 yet another room busted just a week ago, today. In Spring, a dealer friend told me around 35 players were there but only I think 5 dealers and a game runner were arrested. The situation at Our place resulted in all being charged with gambling paying fines between $100 and $500 some were dismissed altogether. In the meantime sister rooms mentioned above are still going strong, new rooms have sprung up in the area. yet another room busted just a week ago, today. In Spring, a dealer friend told me around 35 players were there but only I think 5 dealers and a game runner were arrested. The situation at Our place resulted in all being charged with gambling paying fines between $100 and $500 some were dismissed altogether. In the meantime sister rooms mentioned above are still going strong, new rooms have sprung up in the area.

]]> By: Yet Another Observer http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-149433 Yet Another Observer Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:59:18 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-149433 Alli ... There were no players arrested (only alleged employees of the etablishment). You could however check with Houston PD Vice as I would suspect that information is public record. Alli … There were no players arrested (only alleged employees of the etablishment). You could however check with Houston PD Vice as I would suspect that information is public record.

]]> By: Alli http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-148962 Alli Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:28:20 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-148962 Is there a way to find out who the "consumers" were that were arrested? We have an acquaintence in Houston that we have been unable to get in touch with and we know that he frequented the poker rooms there. I hate that this has happened and we are very concerned. Is there a way to find out who the “consumers” were that were arrested? We have an acquaintence in Houston that we have been unable to get in touch with and we know that he frequented the poker rooms there. I hate that this has happened and we are very concerned.

]]> By: Yet Another Observer http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146384 Yet Another Observer Mon, 05 May 2008 06:32:12 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146384 Yes ... My understanding is that fighting the felony charges was considered, but in addition to the testimony of the dealers, players and undercover officers, they had testimony of a dealer (Joey Pow...) that was at the bust, not working, but had worked there as well as both of the other large clubs in town. He specifically gave them information about who was who and what was what. He was evidently very forthcoming with the information and was considered the star witness for the prosecution after his testimony. All things considered, the attorneys felt the case was a slam-dunk for the prosecution. And no ... they can't vote. Yes … My understanding is that fighting the felony charges was considered, but in addition to the testimony of the dealers, players and undercover officers, they had testimony of a dealer (Joey Pow…) that was at the bust, not working, but had worked there as well as both of the other large clubs in town. He specifically gave them information about who was who and what was what. He was evidently very forthcoming with the information and was considered the star witness for the prosecution after his testimony. All things considered, the attorneys felt the case was a slam-dunk for the prosecution. And no … they can’t vote.

]]> By: DanM http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146380 DanM Mon, 05 May 2008 05:16:10 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146380 Yikes, that's a lot harsher than anything that went down in Dallas County (or Travis, Collin, El Paso, Nueces, et elsewhere). So can these people vote during the deferment? You realize, of course, the thing that really matters to the police is the money they confiscate. They can now use that to <s>throw a ragin' party</s> put toward other poker room busts. Did anyone think about fighting these charges (the stiffest I've seen in Texas yet). Yikes, that’s a lot harsher than anything that went down in Dallas County (or Travis, Collin, El Paso, Nueces, et elsewhere).

So can these people vote during the deferment?

You realize, of course, the thing that really matters to the police is the money they confiscate. They can now use that to throw a ragin’ party put toward other poker room busts.

Did anyone think about fighting these charges (the stiffest I’ve seen in Texas yet).

]]> By: Yet Another Observer http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146378 Yet Another Observer Mon, 05 May 2008 04:29:29 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146378 Dan .... The State Jail Felony defendants received deferred adjudications for 2 years (in addition to a $2000 fine). The felony charges are dropped after 2 years but the "charge" of a felony cannot be taken off the defendant's record for 7 years after the completion of the deferment. At that, it can be removed, but will always be available to any law enforcement agency (State or Federal). Obviously, none of those folks can either run or play at a room during the period of deferment. Well, not that they CAN'T, but if caught, then their deferred sentence would become a conviction and they would have to serve the 2 year term (sounds a bit risky) as well as face the new charges. Dan …. The State Jail Felony defendants received deferred adjudications for 2 years (in addition to a $2000 fine). The felony charges are dropped after 2 years but the “charge” of a felony cannot be taken off the defendant’s record for 7 years after the completion of the deferment. At that, it can be removed, but will always be available to any law enforcement agency (State or Federal). Obviously, none of those folks can either run or play at a room during the period of deferment. Well, not that they CAN’T, but if caught, then their deferred sentence would become a conviction and they would have to serve the 2 year term (sounds a bit risky) as well as face the new charges.

]]> By: DanM http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146342 DanM Sun, 04 May 2008 12:58:59 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146342 That's cool, Yao, it's good info ... a lot of people want to know. WE appreciate you keeping us up to date. Can you tell us more about the deferred state jail felonies? If they are required to not run poker rooms for a certain period of time ... how long do they have to stay clean. (This could be an issue for at least a few poker-room people I know.) And does the charge drop down after x number of months to a misdemeanor, or does it go away completely? 3. That’s cool, Yao, it’s good info … a lot of people want to know. WE appreciate you keeping us up to date.

Can you tell us more about the deferred state jail felonies?

If they are required to not run poker rooms for a certain period of time … how long do they have to stay clean. (This could be an issue for at least a few poker-room people I know.)

And does the charge drop down after x number of months to a misdemeanor, or does it go away completely?

3.

]]> By: Yet Another Observer http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146333 Yet Another Observer Sun, 04 May 2008 06:07:04 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146333 Dan, No need to post this, but for your edification ..... In regards to the disposition of the Palms cases .... They have all been settled ... 4 deferred State Jail Felonies (Engaging), 4 Class A Misdemeanors (Gambling) and the remaining (about 8 ) with Class C Misdemeanors (Gambling). Dan, No need to post this, but for your edification ….. In regards to the disposition of the Palms cases …. They have all been settled … 4 deferred State Jail Felonies (Engaging), 4 Class A Misdemeanors (Gambling) and the remaining (about 8 ) with Class C Misdemeanors (Gambling).

]]> By: Yet Another Observer http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146332 Yet Another Observer Sun, 04 May 2008 05:19:30 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146332 In regards to #3 "Observer" commentary ... 1) The hidden camera thing in the ATM is flat out not true 2) There is no such thing as a Class C Felony ... they are all charged with State Jail Felonies (as opposed to a First, Second or Third Degree Felony) of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and 3) It is ludicrous to think that the proprietor kept the room open out of greed knowing that they would face a felony charge. In regards to #3 “Observer” commentary … 1) The hidden camera thing in the ATM is flat out not true 2) There is no such thing as a Class C Felony … they are all charged with State Jail Felonies (as opposed to a First, Second or Third Degree Felony) of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and 3) It is ludicrous to think that the proprietor kept the room open out of greed knowing that they would face a felony charge.

]]> By: DanM http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146124 DanM Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:43:09 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146124 Thanks for keeping us updated Sabwa. Now it's starting to feel a little more like Dallas. If this keeps happening, it means the prosecutors are going, "Fuck, it's hard to make a case." The scary thing in Houston, of course, are the felony organized crime charges. While we all know that underground poker is the definition of DISorganized crime, RICO statutes tend to be very liberally applied. But if I'm not mistaken ... those are federal laws, and these poker cases are state issues. Thanks for keeping us updated Sabwa. Now it’s starting to feel a little more like Dallas. If this keeps happening, it means the prosecutors are going, “Fuck, it’s hard to make a case.”

The scary thing in Houston, of course, are the felony organized crime charges. While we all know that underground poker is the definition of DISorganized crime, RICO statutes tend to be very liberally applied. But if I’m not mistaken … those are federal laws, and these poker cases are state issues.

]]> By: Sabwarfare http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-146117 Sabwarfare Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:41:41 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-146117 We went to court and rescheduled again We went to court and rescheduled again

]]> By: Sabwarfare http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145901 Sabwarfare Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:57:28 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145901 I was one of the dealers arrested in the raid at 4:30pm Sunday April 13 2008. all the dealers were taken to a nearby courthouse for a few hours so we could be processed and such then we were transported to county jail downtown. We stayed there doing more processing and moving between holding tanks until Monday, around 11am-noon, and some later that day. During our stay in jail our bonds(bails ranged from $2000-$5000) were payed around 1:30am and posted in the system around 8am. We were scheduled for court the next morning, which was basically a reschedule appearence. we met our lawyer that day as well. All of which is being payed for so the dealers don't come out of pocket for this. Currently we are charged with Organized Crime, Felony. Charges should be reduced to Misdemeanor C, or dismissed for some (hopefully). I was one of the dealers arrested in the raid at 4:30pm Sunday April 13 2008. all the dealers were taken to a nearby courthouse for a few hours so we could be processed and such then we were transported to county jail downtown. We stayed there doing more processing and moving between holding tanks until Monday, around 11am-noon, and some later that day.

During our stay in jail our bonds(bails ranged from $2000-$5000) were payed around 1:30am and posted in the system around 8am. We were scheduled for court the next morning, which was basically a reschedule appearence. we met our lawyer that day as well. All of which is being payed for so the dealers don’t come out of pocket for this.

Currently we are charged with Organized Crime, Felony. Charges should be reduced to Misdemeanor C, or dismissed for some (hopefully).

]]> By: pkrporcupine http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145441 pkrporcupine Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:18:59 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145441 hey dan, Im worried about the ppl that were busted. email me and let me know if it was someone I know cause I would like to help em out if I can tanks hey dan, Im worried about the ppl that were busted. email me and let me know if it was someone I know cause I would like to help em out if I can
tanks

]]> By: Jouer http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145429 Jouer Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:43:24 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145429 Higher risk, higher reward? Who knows - maybe - high risk, more chances to loose everything ) Higher risk, higher reward?

Who knows – maybe – high risk, more chances to loose everything )

]]> By: Bundas http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145427 Bundas Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:04:52 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145427 I only like the scene when I win. And I agree that pimpen had been out for some time so time to get a new wardrobe. I only like the scene when I win. And I agree that pimpen had been out for some time so time to get a new wardrobe.

]]> By: Bundas http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145426 Bundas Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:02:26 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145426 Dan, I only like the sene when I win. And yes pimps are out of date so it might time for you to buy the new wardrobe soon. See you in Vegas. Dan, I only like the sene when I win. And yes pimps are out of date so it might time for you to buy the new wardrobe soon. See you in Vegas.

]]> By: DanM http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145425 DanM Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:43:59 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145425 Bundas, pimps are so 1990s. You should know that the hookers in Vegas now work on an affiliate system. As to dirty, I do when I go more than two days without a shower. So you dig the Houston poker scene, huh? It sounds similar to Dallas in 2005-06. But man, what's with the felony charges? Can't decide if I love it or hate it. Obviously no poker operator in Texas deserves felony charges, but in the long-run could be a good thing when it comes to beating them. Higher risk, higher reward? Bundas, pimps are so 1990s. You should know that the hookers in Vegas now work on an affiliate system. As to dirty, I do when I go more than two days without a shower.

So you dig the Houston poker scene, huh? It sounds similar to Dallas in 2005-06. But man, what’s with the felony charges? Can’t decide if I love it or hate it. Obviously no poker operator in Texas deserves felony charges, but in the long-run could be a good thing when it comes to beating them.

Higher risk, higher reward?

]]> By: Bundas http://pokerati.com/2008/04/13/houston-tourney-raided/comment-page-1/#comment-145424 Bundas Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:36:15 +0000 http://pokerati.com/?p=2866#comment-145424 I played last night is a room very close to the one busted and everyone there was talking and all had a different take on it. But with everyone talking about the room down the road I was able to turn my buy-in to just under 1K in a 1-3 NL game so for me Houston Rocks! Was a nice room good people and I felt welcome. Maybe not so much when I cashed out but overall a nice place! Ok time to bring winnings back to Vegas so I can donate them to Dan. Dan do you ever just feel dirty being a pimp? I played last night is a room very close to the one busted and everyone there was talking and all had a different take on it. But with everyone talking about the room down the road I was able to turn my buy-in to just under 1K in a 1-3 NL game so for me Houston Rocks! Was a nice room good people and I felt welcome. Maybe not so much when I cashed out but overall a nice place! Ok time to bring winnings back to Vegas so I can donate them to Dan. Dan do you ever just feel dirty being a pimp?

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