On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, Detectives with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, with the assistance of Orange County Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol and K-9 Divisions, and Rose City Marshal’s Office, executed an evidentiary search warrant on the Gateway Travel Plaza in Rose City.
This search warrant was obtained after a lengthy investigation into this establishment being utilized for drug distribution, illegal gambling, human trafficking, etc.
Detectives were able to gather more evidence to further their investigation into multiple participants and suspects involved with organized criminal activity surrounding this business.
Detectives seized a large amount of U.S. currency, computers, video recording equipment, and documents that will be used as evidence in this case.
Deputies located several people inside the game room and they were cited for illegal gambling. Two wanted fugitives from Louisiana, who were employees living upstairs in the motel portion were also arrested at this establishment.
1) Frank Allen – wanted out of St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office
2) Edith Mercer – wanted out of Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Rose City Marshall’s Office for their assistance throughout this investigation.
This is an ongoing investigation and more charges could be filed in the future.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to making Orange County a safer place and residents should know these types of establishments bring criminal activity from all over Southeast Texas and surrounding areas.
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