Officials break up gambling establishment

Two dozen computers and related equipment was seized from a gambling establishment at Santa Fe Square Shopping Center.

Lampasas law enforcement officials Wednesday night closed down an Internet entertainment business they say was a front for a gambling establishment at Santa Fe Square Shopping Center.

Led by Major Crimes Task Force Investigator Charlie Boswell, two dozen computer stations and various other electronic paraphernalia were set up in the building that advertised Internet access and sweepstakes entry to local residents.

Calls from a number of concerned residents and information from city employees prompted an undercover agent from the Lampasas County Sheriff's Department to visit the site and participate in its gaming. Prizes of store discount cards were being given to winners, said Boswell.

The machines were nothing more than eight-liners accessed on computers, said Chief of Police Tim Angermann. And they are illegal, he said.

A search warrant was issued, and 24 working computers, a money machine, an electronic money counter and currency from two safes were seized.

Internet access for gambling was provided on computers.

Patrons were identified and released with no charges filed against them.

Arrested was Lampasas resident James David Wiley, 35, owner of the business. He is charged with a Class A misdemeanor, keeping a gambling place, which could result in a fine of up to $4,000 and not more than one year in county jail.

Wiley was released after posting a $500 bond Thursday morning.

The investigation is continuing, said Angermann, and it is unclear whether more arrests will be made.

"We are not trying to keep businesses out of town," said the police chief. "We are just trying to keep legal businesses in town."

Assisting with the investigation were John Seery of the Major Crimes Task Force, Lampasas Police Department and sheriff's personnel, Texas Ranger Jesse Ramos, Assistant County/District Attorney John Greenwood and members of the Lampasas Fire Department who are certified peace officers.