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STATE LEGISLATURE
CRIME
Maquinitas
Police ID Valley man with grenades
Should the people decide fate of parlors? By JULIAN AGUILAR THE TEXAS TRIBUNE
In Laredo, electronic gambling machines and the parlors that house them are akin to the reptile’s tail that grows back after being cut off. In 2007, the city’s former police chief and two other high-ranking officers were convicted of federal conspiracy charges after taking bribes from operators of the amusement centers. The officers knew many establishments were paying out more than the state-allowed limit of $5 in cash or prizes, and they accepted payments to let it continue. The city cracked down, seizing cash and
REP. RICHARD RAYMOND, D-LAREDO: Put it to a vote and let the people decide. machines, known there as “maquinitas,” or eight-liners. Now the makeshift casinos — most tucked into nondescript strip malls — are back. In truth, some never left. Their resurgence is due to their popularity, says state Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, D-Laredo, who has offered a solution: Let the people decide. Raymond has filed legislation that would put the issue to voters, similar to the way municipalities decide where liquor is sold.
“I have a lot of people that have come to me on this, from law enforcement to owners to people that play and pastors who don’t like it,” Raymond says. The proposed legislation would initially shut down the centers, and then allow voters to petition to reopen them via popular vote. A separate bill would determine the prize amount. About 40 establishments have permits to operate as amusement centers, a city official says. Carlos Maldonado, Laredo’s current police chief, is not weighing in on the issue, preferring instead to let the Legislature decide.
See GAMBLING PAGE 10A
By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County sheriff ’s officials put a name to the face of the man accused of having 30 hand grenades and three assault rifles in the back of his car last week. Deputies identified him as Ricardo Herrera Jr., 32, of Edinburg. He is being charged with 30 counts of possession of a prohibited weapon. Herrera was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail, where he
RICARDO HERRERA JR.: Edinburg man found with 30 grenades in car. was held in lieu of a $9 million bond as of Wednesday afternoon. A deputy patrolling a southern area of the county along U.S. 83 pulled a Dodge Neon over. Officials say the man, identified as Herrera, gave consent to the deputy to inspect the vehicle.
See ID PAGE 10A
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
DOUBLE THE GIFT-GIVING FUN Santas host community event By LORRAINE L. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
S
miles lit up the faces of many Zapata children through the collaborative efforts of Zapata County Justice of the Peace Anna Guerra and Border Patrol agents when the children were handed gifts by not one, but two Santas at the annual Blue Santa Toy Drive in front of the county courthouse. “It’s great seeing their faces. They’re so happy,” Guerra said. While Guerra, dressed as Blue Santa, was handing out gifts, Border Patrol agents and the Border Patrol Green Santa showed up with more gifts. “It was a great surprise to have the Border Patrol Green Santa Claus come help Blue Santa give out gifts to the children,” Guerra said. Guerra sponsors the Blue Santa Toy Drive annually and was glad to see other agencies, like Border Patrol, join the charitable event this year, she said. A long line of families waited for their turns to receive gifts from the Blue Santa and the Green Santa.
Approximately 300 children showed up with their parents to receive gifts and have a chance to have their picture taken with Santa Claus, Guerra said. After receiving their gifts, children were able to take a picture with the Santa of their choice and to get into another line to receive bags of school supplies, cookies, candies, and Christmas movies from the Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office’s 911 program, said Capt. Aaron Sanchez. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Sam Padgett also joined the event and helped other agencies in their efforts to hand out gifts and put a smile on each child’s face. “(Texas) Parks and Wildlife always comes and help us with anything we do,” Sanchez said. Most toys were donated by Zapata County officials, employees, and other members of the community, Guerra said. The Border Patrol Green Santa handed out gifts donated by other Border Patrol agents, said Ramiro Cerillo, the
See HOLIDAY PAGE 10A
Photo by Danny Zaragoza | The Zapata Times
ABOVE: Ram Cerillo, right, stands guard as Eddie Hernandez receives his gift from the Border Patrol’s Green Santa in front of the Zapata County Court House on Wednesday morning. RIGHT: The Blue Santa greets the Border Patrol’s Green Santa as he makes a surprise appearance at the Zapata County Courthouse on Wednesday morning during the toy giveaway.