A yearlong undercover investigation by the Tampa Police Department culminated in yesterday's arrest of three suspects allegedly operating an illegal gambling house in Tampa's All Stars Domino Club. According to Tampa Police Department, the illegal activity took place at the Domino Club located at the 2300 block of W Waters Ave.
Law enforcement units, including the Street Anti-Crimes Squad, SWAT Team, K-9, and Bomb Squad, executed the search warrant that resulted in the seizure of computers, gambling receipts, cash exceeding $12,000, and an semi-automatic pistol. Initially tipped off in December 2023, undercover officers spent the entirety of 2024 placing bets to confirm the illegality of the operation. The suspects identified in the raid are Marcelino Perez, 67, Charlie Parilla, 32, and Kendrick Franklin, 29, all of whom were allegedly involved in running the seven-days-a-week gambling operation.
Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Department highlighted the diligence of the officers involved, stating, “The success of this operation is a testament to the tireless work and attention to detail shown by our officers,” and further warning those involved in illicit gambling activities to cease operations in Tampa, as reported by the Tampa Police Department's official news blog.
Each suspect now faces multiple charges related to the illegal gambling operation. Perez, the eldest of the group, is charged with one count each of conspiracy to bookmake, violation of the RICO Act, and operating a gambling house. Franklin has been charged with two counts of betting on contest results, bookmaking, RICO violation, and operating a gambling house, while Parilla faces the most charges, including four counts pertaining to betting on skill contests, bookmaking, RICO violation, and operating a gambling house.
