DICKINSON – The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Task Force has dismantled an illegal gambling operation in Dickinson after a long-term undercover investigation.

Authorities say the operation, known as Mardi Gras and located at 1601 Dickinson Avenue, led to multiple felony charges including Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and First-Degree Money Laundering.

Investigators identified Nancy Herndon, 64, as the owner and manager of the operation. Alongside a search warrant executed at the game room, OCTF also carried out a search at Herndon’s residence in the 3100 block of Memorial Way in Texas City.

Detectives identified five additional individuals allegedly involved in operating the establishment. Those charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity include:

• Summer Gilliland, 56
• Irene Salazar, 53
• Angela Coffman, 54
• Maria Anaya, 58 (Active Arrest Warrant)
• Michelle Gilliland, 64

Herndon was arrested and admitted ownership of the game room, according to the Sheriff’s Office. She faces charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Money Laundering.

During the operation, deputies seized 81 gambling machines, $42,449 in cash from the game room, and $1.52 million from Herndon’s residence. Investigators also seized Herndon’s home. The Sheriff’s Office credited Texas First Bank employee Jurnee Taylor with assisting in the accurate counting of the seized currency.

The Organized Crime Task Force includes the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, League City Police Department, Dickinson Police Department, and La Marque Police Department, with additional support from the District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes, Crime Scene, and Crime Reduction Units.

The Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that illegal gambling operations are often linked to violent crime, narcotics distribution, and money laundering.

Photo credit: GCSO