A law enforcement operation targeting illegal gambling activity in Karnes County resulted in three arrests after deputies executed a search warrant at a suspected game room in Kenedy. According to the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office, members of the patrol division and the criminal investigations division carried out the warrant on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The search took place at a location in the 300 block of South Sunset Strip. Investigators said the location had been confirmed during their investigation as an illegal game room operating within the county.

During the search of the property, deputies reported locating several items believed to be associated with unlawful gambling operations. Authorities said investigators recovered various gambling devices and other equipment commonly linked to illegal game rooms. The items were collected as evidence as part of the investigation. Deputies also encountered several individuals at the location while executing the warrant.

Cuban National Facing Multiple Charges

Authorities said Jessie Mayari, identified by investigators as being from Cuba, was arrested at the scene during the execution of the search warrant. According to the sheriff’s office, Mayari faces several charges connected to the alleged gambling operation. Those charges include money laundering, gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of a gambling device, equipment or paraphernalia, evading arrest or detention, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Investigators allege the charges stem from activities discovered during the search of the suspected game room.

Officials also reported that Mayari was determined to be in the United States in violation of immigration conditions. Following his arrest, the Department of Homeland Security–Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him. A detainer is a request from federal authorities asking local law enforcement to hold an individual so immigration officials can take custody.

Two Additional Arrests During the Investigation

Two other individuals were also taken into custody during the operation at the Kenedy location. Authorities identified one of those individuals as Esther M. Gonzalez of Karnes City. According to investigators, Gonzalez faces charges of money laundering, gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment or paraphernalia.

The third individual arrested was identified as Guadalupe Flores Hernandez of Nixon. Authorities said Hernandez faces a charge of evading arrest or detention related to events that occurred during the execution of the search warrant. Investigators did not release additional details about the circumstances surrounding that charge. Both Gonzalez and Hernandez were transported to the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office jail following their arrests.

Individuals Processed Through Magistration

According to the sheriff’s office, all three individuals arrested during the operation were booked into the Karnes County jail. Officials said they later went through the magistration process, where a judge reviews the charges and determines bond conditions.

Sheriff’s Office Warns Illegal Gambling Operations Remain Illegal

Karnes County Sheriff David Bailey said illegal gambling operations such as game rooms remain prohibited under Texas law. According to the sheriff’s office, businesses operating unlawful gambling devices violate both state law and local county ordinances.

The sheriff’s office stated that investigations into illegal gambling operations will continue across Karnes County. Officials said individuals found operating or participating in illegal game rooms could face criminal charges.

All individuals are considered innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

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