2 underground casinos busted in north Houston strip center; 8 arrested

Zulema Diaz Perez has been arrested by Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office charged by the Harris County District Attorney's office as part of a sweep of two alleged illegal gambling establishments. Zulema Diaz Perez has been arrested by Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's office charged by the Harris County District Attorney's office as part of a sweep of two alleged illegal gambling establishments. Photo: Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Photo: Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close 2 underground casinos busted in north Houston strip center; 8 arrested 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Eight people have been arrested for their alleged roles in operating underground casinos in north Harris County.

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constables office announced the charges in a media release mid-day Tuesday.

According to the release, deputies recovered $21,000 in illegal gambling proceeds along with several gaming devices inside two illegal gaming establishments operating inside a strip center in the 2100 block of FM 1960, just south of Spring.

A Nuisance Abatement Lawsuit was initiated by the constable's office against the center to attempt to get the businesses permanently shut down.

Those arrested in the twin raids and their charges were:

Shannon Guilford

Keeping A Gambling Place (Misdemeanor A)

Jovita Lopez

Keeping A Gambling Place (Misdemeanor A)

Possession of Gambling Equipment / Device (Misdemeanor (A)

Olivia Hernandez

Possession Gambling Device / Equipment (Misdemeanor A)

Zulema Diaz Perez

Possession Gambling Device / Equipment (Misdemeanor A)

Jessica Guevara

Possession Gambling Device / Equipment (Misdemeanor A)

Maria Angelica Hinojosa

Possession of Gambling Device / Equipment (Misdemeanor A)

Jose Mercado

Justice of the Peace 4-2 Warrants (x3)

Franekia Thompson

Justice of the Peace 4-2 Warrants (x4)