Officers Shut Down Outlaw Ray's Saloon

DAYTON, March 26, 2008 - This morning the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) executed a search warrant at Outlaw Ray’s Saloon in the 7800 block of F.M. 1960, approximately 7 miles west of Dayton.  The search warrant, issued on yesterday by 253rd District Court Judge Chap Cain, alleged there was an illegal gambling establishment operating within Outlaw Ray’s.  Assisting LCSO with the search warrant were officers from Dayton PD and Texas DPS Criminal Intelligence.

The investigation into illegal gambling at Outlaw Ray’s began about a year ago, but the major portion of the investigation took form over the last two months.  Sheriff Greg Arthur said he initially received information from Dayton Police Chief Pete Douzat, who forwarded some anonymous tips.  The tips stated there were some customers of Outlaw Ray’s that were upset at losing anywhere from a couple thousand dollars, to upwards of $30,000 at the business. 

The “Saloon”, which was really a private club, was very secretive about who could gain access.  The Sheriff contacted the Texas D.P.S. Criminal Intelligence division for assistance.  LCSO worked with D.P.S. Criminal Intelligence on surveillance and undercover operations.  The investigation showed there were electronic, “casino-type” machines being used in violation of Texas law.  There were video poker and video blackjack machines, as well as the traditional “eight-liner” type of machines.

LCSO Sergeant Jeff Ashworth was the lead investigator on the case.  He said 64 gambling machines were seized as evidence.  Also, there was over $20,000 seized from the machines and other locations in the business.  Ten court citations were issued to patrons for the offense of Gambling, and there were two arrests made at the scene.  Christina L. Shrum of Dayton, was arrested for the offenses of Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, and Possession of a Gambling Device.  Walter Rohus of Baytown was arrested for the offense of Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon.  They were both taken into custody and transported to the Liberty County Jail without incident.

Sheriff Arthur and Sergeant Ashworth both said they are pleased with D.P.S. Criminal Intelligence and Dayton PD, whose resources were instrumental in the successful investigation.  Sheriff Arthur also noted that while it was a busy day for his office and investigators, the case is still open and more arrests are possible.