At least 17 customers targeted by thieves after leaving west Houston poker room, police sources say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Poker room patrons are being followed and robbed after leaving local clubs, and authorities believe a crew of suspects is tied to as many as 20, with at least 17 linked to a single popular poker venue.

Last week, four men were arrested in connection with an aggravated robbery that occurred shortly after a 70-year-old man left Lucky J’s Social Club on Richmond Avenue. According to court records, the suspects followed the man from the club’s parking lot to his home in west Houston, where they attempted to steal his wallet. The victim resisted the attack.

Among those arrested were brothers Keyveon and Keion Thompson.

On Aug. 19, just two days before the robbery, Keion Thompson, 23, appeared in court and was granted deferred adjudication for a separate incident in which he allegedly pointed a gun at his girlfriend in March. Under the terms of the plea deal, Thompson avoided jail time on the condition that he stay out of trouble. Within 48 hours, he was back in police custody.

Law enforcement sources say these incidents fall under the category of “follow-home” robberies, often referred to as “juggings” during which suspects watch victims at a business or financial institution and later rob them at a secondary location. However, instead of banks, people at poker rooms now appear to be targets.

Lucky J’s, which operates legally under a private membership model, has not responded to requests for comment. Uniformed law enforcement officers were part of its on-site security when ABC13 went to the business on Monday.

Patrons from at least two other poker clubs in the area have also been targeted, and investigators expect more arrests and charges in the coming weeks.

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