Texas Lawmen Bust Online Gambling Operators

This continues a policy in the United States to pursue those benefiting by online gambling.

Law enforcement officials in Montgomery County, Texas, raided a house in Magnolia believed to be the center of an illegal online gambling ring. Three arrests were made, and the detained were charged with money laundering.

An investigation over several months led police to the house, and Justin Franciscotty, Ana Franciscotty, and Stephanie Uselton were on the premises when authorities arrived.

Investigators found $16,000 in cash on the persons and in the residence, all of which was confiscated.

A police spokesman indicated the case was still ongoing, and more arrests could be anticipated.

Authorities had followed a money trail from an online gambling operation ostensibly based in Costa Rica. Large sums were mailed through the U.S. postal service to the Magnolia house on repeated occasions, all sent from the Costa Rica operation.

This continues a policy in the United States to pursue those benefiting by online gambling, even if the site itself is based in a foreign nation. U.S. law enforcement officials have repeatedly arrested individuals working with online casinos whenever the suspects can be found on U.S. soil.

Despite the fact that the businesses are licensed and legal in the host countries, Department of Justice representatives insist on prosecuting any connected to online casinos in any way possible, continuing a war to prohibit the spread or advancement of online gambling.