TEXARKANA, Texas -- Recent court filings shed light on an investigation into an illegal gambling operation that has resulted in felony charges for six people who allegedly owned, managed or worked at the now shuttered Texarkana, Texas, business.
Members of the Texarkana Texas Police Department began investigating the operation located behind 4446 W. 7th Street in August, according to probable cause affidavits filed this month and in January. The location was allegedly "full of slot machines" and patrons were allegedly being paid cash when they won, in violation of Texas law.
Undercover police operatives carried out "multiple controlled gambling operations" before a search warrant was executed in November.
"It should be noted that there is not a legitimate 'front' for the gambling operation and that the entirety of the inside of the building is dedicated to illegal gambling equipment," an affidavit states.
Billy Joe "Jodie" Baker, 70, was arrested on a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity the same day the business was searched. Billy Baker, an alleged owner of the operation, was arrested again in January on a charge of money laundering. He is currently free on a total of $15,000 in personal recognizance bonds.
Bank bags containing more than $1,600 were seized from Billy Baker when he was arrested leaving the business Nov. 10. A white three-ring binder was also confiscated.
"During interviews with the co-conspirators of the illegal gambling operation, it was learned that Billy collected all the money the business took in and left 'start up' cash for each day," an affidavit states. "After a review of Billy's cellular device, I saw text thread conversations between him and his son, Brian Baker, discussing the profits of the business along with placing certain amounts of money in various businesses."
Brian Joseph Baker, 51, was arrested Jan. 28 on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and money laundering. He is currently free on a total of $15,000 in personal recognizance bonds.
Tammy Rosemarie Turner, 50, was the alleged manager of the operation with plans to become part owner. She was arrested on a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity in November and arrested on a charge of money laundering Feb. 8. She is currently free on a total of $20,000 in personal recognizance bonds.
A blue bank bag labeled "Tammy" and containing $3,905 was allegedly recovered from the business' safe during the search in November.
"Turner admitted to me she was the manager of the business and that Brian Baker put her in business," an affidavit states. "She informed me that she was to pay Brian back for the business and that after that they would continue with a 60/40 split of the proceeds the business brought in."
During the search, investigators noted a large painting on the wall which said, "777," with a banner underneath which read, "Tammy's."
Several other women who allegedly worked at the business have been arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity including Courtenay Janel Hendrix, 44, Amanda Suzanne Treas, 40, and Brandy Nicole Johnson, 43.
Engaging in organized criminal activity and money laundering are both state jail felony offenses punishable by six months to two years in a state jail.
All of the cases are assigned to 202nd District Judge John Tidwell.
BRIAN JOSEPH BAKER
TAMMY ROSEMARIE TURNER
COURTENAY JANEL HENDRIX
BRANDY NICOLE JOHNSON
AMANDA SUZANNE TREAS