What started out as a political crusade against eight-liner operations in Cameron County has now mushroomed into a federal probe into the use of straw corporations used to conceal widespread illegal gaming across South Texas counties.
The latest probes have centered on the sale of at least 505 eight-liner machines by the Cameron County District Attorney's Office to Lowkes International Inc., a firm represented by local attorneys Carlos Masso and Rick Zayas.
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It all started when researchers discovered that a gaming company owned by Zayas – and now with Masso's nephew Rick Masso as president – has submitted a request for tax clearance for its reinstatement.
The company – Southwest Arcades, Inc. – owes Cameron County some $22,300.12 in county taxes.
Additionally, the company was headed by Zayas and his former business partner Ruben Cortez, a former Brownsville Independent School District board member and now member of the Texas School Board of Education.
Interestingly, the Cameron County Appraisal District lists 5704 Heron Cove belonging to one Jorge Garcia as the owner.
Intrigue Me Investments which lists Ricardo Masso Jr, as its owner in 2010 – also listed the address as their headquarters.
And yet another gaming company – Meatball Entertainment Inc. is listed as still active and lists Rick Masso Jr. as its registered agent and Rick Masso as its president since May 24, 2014 with an address at 5575 FM 802, Ste. G.
Arnie Creinin of South Padre Island is listed as a director and vice president. As far as it is known, this corporation does not have any links to gaming operations like the rest.
Some sources say that the machines confiscated under Operation Bishop have ended in Willacy and Starr counties and are in operation there. At least one former member of the Cameron County D.A.'s Office was said to have negotiated a sale of some machines to a buyer (or buyers) in Starr County.
The sale of the machines in itself is not illegal, and neither is playing the games. However, it is illegal to pay out more than $5 to the winner.
The probe is far from over, we are told.
17 comments:
So that's where you've been the past two days, conferring with the feds. How else would you know there's a federal probe?
"Corruption", according to the infamous Tony Zavaleta, "is a part of the Hispanic culture and so we can expect it and should accept it." Luis Saenz is Hispanic, so we should expect and accept his corruption.....its part of his culture. Add Zayas and Masso and we have more Hispanics and therefore corruption, which we should expect and accept...at least according to Zavaleta. The Democratic Party has embraced this cultural characteristic and men like Gilberto Hinojosa, Conrado Cantu, Armando Villalobos, Aurora de la Garza, Ernie Hernandez, Erin Hernandez Garcia, Dan Sanchez all are corrupt and they practice it daily....proud of their culture/corruption.
Dig and you shall fine. Money, power and corruption. It's the DA, what can you expect. Nobody would be surprised, It's common knowledge in political circles.What surprises me is that the DA doesn't even see what's coming. For a UT Law Grad, he's not all that smart. Poor guy, what a waste of a possible good Longhorn alumni.May God have mercy on him.I hope he doesn't tarnish the "Longhorn" alumni. That would be really sad and all for greed and politics. Not worth it!!!!!!! Stand "Longhorn" tall...
Oh my god...and Masso wanted to be DA?! FILTHY FUCKING CROOK! Saenz is just so stupid.
Is anyone surprise,this from your DA?
"Power" breeds "corruption and greed" on all colors/types of politicians; Democrats, Republicans, Independents, T-Party, Longhorns, Aggies, Black, White, Brown, et al.
In the words of Deep Throat: "Just follow the money!"
Where is the so-called media (Valley Morning Star & Brownsville Herald)?
Good reporting Mr. Montoya!
The "M" gene is found in politicians and Lawyers DNA's. (The Mordida Gene) .
Masso's a bad dude, right Zeke? You said so yourself on FB. Thanks for the warning.
Zeke Silva
Politics gets crazy. Wednesday my kids called me that a white SUV with Masso stickers was parked outside my house at night in the pitch dark. Good thing I was around the corner and I pulled up next to the SUV and it was Carlos Masso.When I asked him what he was doing parked outside my house and that he was scaring my... kids he said " I was looking at the empty lots next to your house, I might be your neighbor. My kids or my family don't need to go thru this. Looking at an empty lot in the pitch dark???? I had to get a hold of myself because my kids and wife were outside. I got a blocked call telling me to watch out. In Spanish. Que vale mas que me quide. What country do they think we live in? The line has been crossed. Is this the kind of District Attorney you want in office? I have been trying real hard not to say anything, but this is getting out of hand. I will not be threatened or intimidated only because I support Luis Saenz. I have every right to support who ever I want. A year and a half ago no one cared now all of a sudden my opinion matters. I ran against Charlie Atkinson because he challenged me. I did not ask anybody if they thought I should run or what were my chances of winning. Winning was not my goal, it was a matter of principal. I support Luis Saenz because I know he is the best qualified and most experienced. He has no hidden political agenda or is using this position for a stepping stone for future political posititions. I will not be silenced and I will vote for who I want to. I have done my homework and I am going to Vote for Luis Luis V. Saenz. He is the BEST Choice.
Starting in the Sheriff's Dept. The Reyna Brothers are the first ones getting bribes. ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY$$$$$$
I read an earlier post by someone on your blog regarding "Deep Throat" It said follow the money. I'm a journalist and quite frankly, I'm amazed at what's happening in South Texas w/your DA.Did he accept money from this so called 8 liners and did not report this so called contributions on his campaign report.The gov't doesn't like this and this is a good story for us journalists in regards to accountability to the American people. Political figures know that's what's at stake and must be held accountable.Do you have a "Deep Throat"? A person, who was present when money was exchanged (Hard Cash)and went unreported. Will follow your blog and if need be i'll fly down from the Windy City. I'll be in touch, Good reporting Mr. Montoya. After what happen in Paris, Journalism is of utmost importance. Freedom of Speech and Accountability.
The D.A. 8 liner strikes again !
This was not written by a journalist. Horrible effort, Z.
Lets something straight Luis Saenz and Melissa Zamora...Carlos Masso isn't the DA Luis Saenz is. Luis Saenz ran his campaign against Carlos Masso by tying Masso to the 8 liners. When Luis Saenz was elected DA ( by a very slim win) he vowed to destroy ALL THE 8 LINER AND SWEEPSTAKES ESTABLISMENTS. Carlos Masso NEVER denied any involvement with the illegal machines all he said is: I do not own any machines and I am not responsible for what my family does. See the difference you bafoons. Quit blaming Zeke Silva for your actions. This time it won't work.
What you need to do DA Luis Saenz is get rid of Melissa Zamora (Landin for a year) and do what you said you were going to do. Zeke Silva is not your PIO Melissa is. For you to bash Zeke Silva shows you are a coward and loyal only to your self. You are one greedy dirty old man that can't be trusted.
Take a shower Luis maybe you will feel better for keeping tax payers hard earned money to give your mistress and friends pay raises with forfeiture funds that belong to the tax payers.
Where did the Money go?
It's buffoon, Z. As in you are a buffoon for writing "bafoon." Time to quit all this buffoonery.
Has anyone considered how a percentage of profit from the game rooms with 8-liner machines could help with local funding? If a decent percentage went towards feeding the hungry, victims of violent crimes, or any organization needing assistance with funds to help those in need, would it be more acceptable? We all know they are banking and people clearly wish to play the machines even if the odds are against them! So, why not make a contribution to Help fund local assistance programs? Rather than waste funds to close these establishments, why not accept a decent donation to help with needs of organizations set up to help those in need?
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