NPD seizes illegal gambling machines

Following a three-month investigation, the Navasota Police Department, with the assistance of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, executed search warrants at five local convenience stores on Nov. 6 for illegal gambling devices.

In a span of four hours, seven officers and eight TABC agents collectively seized 26 computer motherboards attached to electronic gambling devices and interviewed participants at Annie’s Country Store and the Shell station on West Washington, Convenience Food Mart and T.J.’s Grocery & Market on South LaSalle Street and North Side Grocery on North LaSalle Street.

Officers also seized $3,700 in cash.

“It makes the slot machines inoperable,” said Chief Shawn Myatt, referring to removal of the computer circuit boards.

According to Chief Myatt, pending charges range from keeping a gambling place to possession of gambling paraphernalia, both class A misdemeanors, and gambling, a class C misdemeanor.

This is the first seizure of its kind since Myatt became police chief here nearly three years ago.

TABC, Myatt added, is conducting its own investigation since the businesses are licensed to sell alcohol, which includes a separate violation.