When Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigators and Deputies served a warrant for gambling at 1 a.m. Saturday morning at the former Country Boys Gas Station located on Highway 11 E at FM 3019 near Winnsboro, they found 15 to 20 individuals participating in playing computer based programs on slot machines adapted for the programs, according to Corley Weatherford, Investigator for the Sheriff’s Office.
Reports had been given to the local Sheriff’s office that the building was used for gambling. Undercover officers had been utilized to enter the building and had participated in the gambling endeavors. Based on their findings, the warrant was issued. The investigation continues with gambling, money laundering, and engaging in organized criminal activity as the focus.
Weatherford stated the location is no longer a store. He said the building had been turned into one large gambling room with 30 different stations where winners were paid in cash. All the gambling equipment, paraphernalia, and money were seized in the raid.
Three individuals present were also arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Brian Cory Rodgers, 32, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram, less than 4-grams and with Unlawful Possession of a weapon.
Andre Deon Wells, 34, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram, less than 4-grams.
Coy Wayne Wells, 51, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram, less than 4-grams
The three are in Hopkins County Jail. Weatherford stated that gambling brings crime to the area and that is why the Sheriff’s Office is working to keep gambling out of Hopkins County. He stated gambling attracts drugs, robbery, prostitution, and a number of other crimes to an area.
