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Several executives from a Fort Worth, Texas software development company have been arrested Friday and charged with money laundering, felony gambling and organized criminal activity.
The company, HEST Technologies, claims to develop promotional systems for sweepstakes cafes, Internet cafes and nonprofit organizations.
Authorities allege the company's "sweepstakes" systems constitute illegal gambling devices by claiming to sell a lawful service as a means to induce people into gambling.
The joint investigation was led by the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Anderson County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
Among those arrested was Hest President Chris Canard, 44, his wife Shannon Canard, 41, and Robert Houchin Jr., 36.
All three individuals were being detained at the Tarrant County jail with bond for each set at $28,000.
Another executive, Andrea Geist, 53, was released Friday evening on $4,500 bond.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
