Costa Rica sportsbetting website

Arrests in Internet Gambling Operations

Three local residents in Houston, Texas, have been arrested by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department for their involvement in an internet gambling operation based in Costa Rica. The arrested individuals are:

• Justin Franciscotty, 37 years old
• Ana Franciscotty, 30 years old (his wife)
• Stephanie Uselton, 25 years old

Charges and Legal Consequences

The three individuals have been charged with second-degree money laundering. This crime carries penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Details of the Investigation

The SIU obtained a search warrant and conducted a raid at the residence of the suspects. The source of the SIU’s information about the crime is currently unclear. It has been reported that Franciscotty earned money through the online gambling operation based in Costa Rica, which primarily received funds from individuals in the United States. During the raid, officers discovered multiple televisions connected to satellite services, which were presumably used to watch sporting events.

Legal Implications of the Operation

Although the gambling website is based in Costa Rica, operating such an offshore gambling site is illegal in the United States. Franciscotty was initially stopped on the street with approximately $6,000 in cash. Further investigation at his home revealed additional funds and high-value items, including Rolex watches and diamond necklaces.