Galveston County Sheriff’s Task Force Shuts Down Major Illegal Gambling Operation
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) has dismantled a large-scale illegal gambling operation known as “Mardi Gras,” located at 1601 Dickinson Avenue in Dickinson, Texas.
Following a long-term undercover investigation, detectives identified the owner and manager of the establishment as 64-year-old Nancy Herndon of Texas City. On the same day that investigators executed a search warrant at the gambling business, a second warrant was carried out at Herndon’s residence in the 3100 block of Memorial Way.
Herndon was arrested and charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, with additional charges approved for First-Degree Money Laundering. She admitted to being the sole owner of the operation.
Five employees were also charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity:
- Summer Gilliland, 56
- Irene Salazar, 53
- Angela Coffman, 54
- Maria Anaya, 58 (active warrant)
- Michelle Gilliland, 64
During the raids, authorities seized 81 gambling machines, $42,449 in cash from the game room, $1.52 million in cash from Herndon’s residence, and the residence itself.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office credited Texas First Bank representative Jurnee Taylor with assisting in the meticulous counting of the seized funds.
The OCTF investigation was a joint effort with the League City, Dickinson, and La Marque Police Departments, as well as the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and Crime Reduction Unit.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that illegal gambling operations are often tied to violent offenses, narcotics distribution, and money laundering. The office stated it remains committed to identifying, investigating, and dismantling such operations to safeguard the community.
