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Justin "Buggy" Chappell, 39, of Palmhurst pleaded guilty Monday to a federal money laundering charge after admitting he ran a gambling ring and laundered money through McAllen Gold & Silver, a business on North 10th Street in McAllen, according to KVEO-TV.
When he appeared before a judge in McAllen, Chappell stated: "Guilty."
What Chappell admitted
Chappell admitted to providing gamblers with access to a sports betting website. From January 2021 to May 2024, one high-roller lost $1.2 million, KVEO-TV reported.
The gambler wrote $892,000 in checks and sent at least $171,500 in cash to McAllen Gold & Silver. Chappell also directed the gambler to make $144,000 in car and boat payments for other people.
The house purchase and the Curry arrest
Chappell purchased a house that belonged to Wendell Curry, the father of Patrick Curry, and paid Wendell about $100,000. After Wendell Curry died in 2021, Chappell paid another $500,000 to Patrick Curry. Patrick Curry, who served as co-executor of his father’s estate, signed the house over to his mother at Chappell’s arrangement.
Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at McAllen Gold & Silver in 2024. Chappell told investigators that Patrick Curry accepted payments for him and kept a percentage. Homeland Security Investigations arrested Curry in October.
Plea terms and sentencing
Chappell waived his right to appeal and promised to pay $1.2 million. Sentencing is scheduled for January. He faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.
More from playtexas.com – McAllen Business Owner Charged in Alleged $750,000 Gambling Laundering Scheme
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Source: As reported by KVEO-TV.
