Written by :
Published on :
The controversial founder of a social media-driven news outlet focused on crime, breaking news, and community issues in Corpus Christi, Texas, is accused of gambling promotion and maintaining a gambling place. This is his second arrest in so many months.
Eric Tunchez's relies heavily on Facebook and Instagram to report on local area news. He refers to himself as a digital creator. A website linked on the Corpus Christi Crónica goes to a "Secure Connection Failed" page, at least at the time of this article was going to press.
The Corpus Christi Crónica claims to be "dedicated to building and empowering our community through interactive communication".
Tunchez was charged early Sunday morning with an intent/know operate game room violation, gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device.
He was last arrested in May of last year with a felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity and four misdemeanor charges related to operating a game room called Lucky Panda following an intensive months long investigation. Tunchez was being held in the San Patricio County Jail immediately following his arrest.
The warrants include:
- State Jail Felony for engaging in organized criminal activity ($25,000 bond)
- Misdemeanor for intentionally or knowingly operating a game room ($10,000 bond)
- Misdemeanor for gambling promotion ($10,000 bond)
- Misdemeanor for possession of gambling device paraphernalia ($10,000 bond)
- Misdemeanor for keeping a gambling place ($10,000 bond)
At the time of his May arrest, 145 gaming machines were seized along with $25,000 in cash. Dozens of patrons were cited, and employees were arrested.
These crimes are commonly charged as a State Jail Felony or 3rd-Degree Felony depending on facts with the latter potentially resulting in up to 10 years prison.
Tunchez claimed the May arrest was “politically motivated, designed to silence my voice”.
He added: “I will not be silenced, and I will not back down.”
No further details are known about Sunday's arrest. Gambling911.com will continue to monitor this matter and provide updates once available.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
