The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department conducted a raid on an alleged illegal gambling ring in Westlake on February 27.
County arrest records show two men were arrested on charges connected to gambling that same day. Scott Whittington of Ponder and Mark Hulme were both booked on “gambling promotion” and “engaging in organized criminal activity” charges, according to the County Inmate Database.
The raid occurred at the Copa Club, a venue hosting private dining and card game events. The club is located at 63 Tarragona Drive, near the northern edge of Westlake and 114.
A video shared exclusively with The Dallas Express shows at least six marked sheriff vehicles outside the property, people walking in and out of the facility, and people loading things onto transport vehicles.
Deputies also seized $4,000 in cash, poker tables, and chips, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
The restaurant posted on Instagram after the raid, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are closed at the moment. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding. We will keep you updated, and we look forward to reopening our doors to you very promptly!”
A post the following day said that the club’s management was committed to obeying the law and “We greatly look forward to reopening private membership in the very near future.”
DX went to the Copa Club during its operating hours on February 28. The lights were on inside and outside of the restaurant. However, there did not appear to be anyone inside, and the business did not appear to be open to customers.
DX contacted the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department for comment on the raid, but a spokesman did not return a message by the deadline.