Published on: October 3, 2024, 12:59h.
Last updated on: October 3, 2024, 12:59h.
New developments have surfaced regarding the arrests made on Sunday at an illegal quarter-horse racetrack, also known as a bush track, situated near Levelland, a city in west Texas.
A total of 14 individuals were apprehended during a raid conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas Racing Commission, and local law enforcement agencies. The operation uncovered cocaine and illicit gambling machines at the establishment named Carril Mochomos.
Among those arrested were Ramón Garcia, the track announcer, and his spouse, Edna Hernandéz, both of whom are prominent broadcasters of unlawful, unregulated races through the social media platform “Carreras Time.”
Carril Mochomos openly promoted its activities on social media and shared well-produced videos of racing highlights, complete with informative graphics.
Unlawful Gambling
Nine of the arrestees at the facility have been charged with various offenses, including organized criminal activity, money laundering, unlawful racing, illicit gambling, and racketeering.
Moreover, Daniel Avila, a jockey involved in legitimate horse racing in New Mexico, was also detained at the scene.
Cesar Pacheco, the operator of the track, along with his partner, Delmy Lizette Rios-Guerrero, were among those held in custody, as well as Jaime Hernandez, responsible for track security.
The raid occurred after PETA’s investigators observed activities at Carril Mochomos and shared their findings with the DPS.
The organization has previously probed unregulated racing in Georgia, resulting in charges against seven individuals in that state.
‘Cesspools of Crime’
At the Rancho El Centenario bush track in Georgia, PETA alleged witnessing trainers openly administering drugs to horses. Syringes found at the site were later discovered to contain cocaine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and caffeine, sometimes combined.
PETA’s investigators also documented illegal gambling, the utilization of electroshock devices to enhance horse performance, and fatalities of horses on the premises.
PETA has determined that bush tracks are hubs of criminal activities where horses endure abuse, electric shocks, drug injections, and are raced until their demise,” commented PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo in a statement to Casino.org.
“PETA commends the Texas Department of Public Safety for taking action at Carril Mochomos and urges similar actions at… other bush tracks operating in the state,” added Guillermo.
The organization has identified approximately 50 illegal “bush tracks” across Texas and estimates over 150 such tracks across the United States.