Wood County Illegal Gambling Operations Busted

QUITMAN – The Sting operations conducted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department took down three separate illegal gambling sites simultaneously.

Deputies raided the illegal gambling operations at The Gate located on Highway 154, Debbie’s Dream located on Highway 17 and the Lucky Star located on FM 515 & corner of county road 4990.

Just before closing time Thursday night, April 5^th, three teams went into action at all three locations.

While raiding the location on hwy. 17, the suspects locked the doors in an effort to prevent entry and Deputies were required to make a forcible entry.

At all locations Eight-liners were seized, along with all property, concessions, including security cameras, electronics and large amounts of cash.

Investigators had been working on these business operations for several months. .

At the Gate on 154, the owner Sheila Byrd had a gun and was arrested that night for gambling promotion –operating a gambling place and further charges are pending.