Montgomery Co. Bust: Illegal Gambling, Drugs, Guns

**Massive Illegal Gambling, Drug, and Firearms Operation Busted in Willis**

**WILLIS, TX –** A multi-agency task force successfully dismantled a significant illegal gambling operation in Willis on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, seizing a substantial cache of narcotics, firearms, and cash, and leading to the arrest of two individuals. The raid underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illicit activities plaguing Montgomery County communities.

The operation unfolded at a residence located in the 100 block of Ed English Road. Officers from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, bolstered by support from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the North Central Narcotics Task Force, and the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force, executed a search warrant issued by the 435th District Court. The warrant was the culmination of an intensive investigation into suspected illegal gambling and drug distribution at the location.

Upon entry, law enforcement discovered 16 illegal gambling machines actively in use, indicating a bustling illicit enterprise. More critically, authorities uncovered significant quantities of dangerous narcotics, including methamphetamine, ecstasy, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana. The scene also yielded ten firearms, one of which was confirmed to be stolen, alongside over $5,000 in cash. The combination of gambling, drugs, and firearms highlights the interconnected nature of organized criminal activity.

Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene:
* **Justin Paul Guidry, 42, of Willis**, faces charges including Possession of Marijuana, Money Laundering, Operating a Gambling Place, and Keeping a Gambling Place.
* **Ashley Lynn Foster, 40, also of Willis**, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Money Laundering, Operating a Gambling Place, and Keeping a Gambling Place.
Both Guidry and Foster were reportedly found to have outstanding warrants for their arrest, adding to the severity of their current charges.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the critical importance of such interventions in maintaining public safety. “These kinds of operations are crucial for safeguarding our community and disrupting illegal activities that breed further crime,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office stated. “The presence of illegal gambling machines often goes hand-in-hand with drug trafficking and other violent offenses, making these busts vital for the well-being of our neighborhoods.”

This successful bust is expected to significantly disrupt multiple illicit operations in the Willis area, sending a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated. Law enforcement encourages community members to report any suspicious activities to help in their ongoing efforts to keep Montgomery County safe.

For more information on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office website or the Texas Department of Public Safety website.