Tarrant County, Texas authorities have dropped misdemeanor gambling charges against 46 of 49 poker players who were present at the Watauga Social Poker Club when it was raided in October of 2022. Dismissal orders authorized by Tarrant County prosecutors were signed and issued by Tarrant County judge Ralph Swearingin, Jr. on Tuesday.
The 46 players had continued to fight against charges laid against them in the wake of the raid on the suburban Forth Worth club. Three other players had already reached plea deals with prosecutors and are no longer eligible to have the charges dismissed. All 49 of the players are believed to have been issued a citation including a $360 fine in addition to funds seized from the tables.
More serious gambling-operation charges remain active against the employees and owners of the club, which has remained shuttered since the early-October raid, which occurred on the final day of a large tournament with $132,840 in prize money waiting to be awarded. As part of the raid, agents seized $205,000 total from players and from the club itself. None of that money has been refunded to date.
A few of the 46 players who were notified of the charges being dropped have already commented on social media about the resolution of the cases. One such player, Daryl J. Gresham, wrote on Facebook, "I'm Free…. First part of the injustice has now been dropped for all 46 of 49 who wanted their/our day in court!!! Now lets go get our 205k the TCSO robbed from us at gunpoint, cameras cut, etc…
"Each and every one of the 19 raiders that day knew why they were there and what was at stake and knew they were doing wrong! Some thought they were being set up and yes you were right by your own dept and DA…. This isn't over til you return our money and justice is served!!!! Im still disgusted at the authorities that this was ok in your offices!!!! Remember to serve and protect not to rob the people at gunpoint!"
Gresham also posted an image of the Tarrant County order that dismissed the charge against him. Other players received similar notices.
Featured image source: Facebook / Watauga Social Poker Club
