The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested eight people Friday on gambling related charges in Fort Stockton. Investigation began when DPS Criminal Investigations Special Agents received a request for assistance by the Fort Stockton Police Department and Pecos County Sheriff’s Office in reference to alleged illegal gaming activities.
The Fort Stockton Police Department obtained intelligence and coordinated efforts with DPS. During the investigation, DPS obtained evidence that six gaming room establishments were paying out cash winnings in Fort Stockton. This led to search warrants being served at the following establishments: Ocean King, Happy Hour, Lucky 777, Triple Diamond, Valerie’s, and Sandy’s.
The eight suspects were arrested for a variety of charges, including gambling, gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of gambling device equipment or paraphernalia. All suspects were arrested and booked into Pecos County Jail. Texas Highway Patrol, Fort Stockton Police Department, Pecos County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Comptroller’s Office assisted in this investigation.
The following suspects were arrested:
- Chien Tran, 51, of Fort Stockton
- Cong Nguyen, 50, of Fort Stockton
- Thanh Ton, 44, of Fort Stockton
- Pavina Manosinh, 38, of Fort Stockton
- Thanh Pham, 55, of Fort Stockton
- Quang Andy Doan, 45, of Fort Stockton
- LE Phoung Thanh, 45, of Fort Stockton
- Ngu Vo, 68, of Fort Stockton
(News release from the Texas DPS in Midland)
