Westlake, TX – In the predawn chill of February 27, Tarrant County sheriff’s deputies descended upon the Copa Club, a discreet poker haven tucked away in Westlake’s tony confines, with the precision of a SWAT team storming a cartel hideout. Two arrests, $4,000 in cash seized, poker tables confiscated—another notch in the belt of Sheriff Bill Waybourn’s Game Room Enforcement Unit. The charges? Promotion of gambling and engaging in organized criminal activity. The targets? Mark Hulme, a 66-year-old Coppell resident running guest experience, and Scott Whittington, a 53-year-old Ponder man overseeing the floor. Bond totals barely scraped $3,750 combined, yet the message was loud: Texas law bows to no card shark.

For months, the Sheriff’s Office had the Copa Club—a private, members-only joint boasting Texas Hold’em, cocktails, and a swanky restaurant vibe—under its microscope. The raid wasn’t a spontaneous flex of authority but the culmination of a deliberate sting, one that’s left locals buzzing and constitutional conservatives raising an eyebrow. Sure, Texas Penal Code Chapter 47 brands gambling a no-go, but the Copa Club wasn’t raking in pots like some back-alley bookie. It charged membership fees, a workaround that’s kept poker rooms across the state shuffling cards in a legal gray zone for years. So why the heavy hand now? And why in Westlake, a stone’s throw from Trophy Club, where liberty-minded folks don’t take kindly to government overreach?

The official line is tight-lipped—ongoing investigation, more arrests pending, blah, blah, blah. But let’s cut through the fog. This isn’t just about a few geezers bluffing over a flush. It’s the second poker room takedown in Tarrant County’s northern suburbs in under two years, a pattern that reeks of a broader agenda. Sheriff Waybourn’s crew isn’t shy about flexing muscle—recall their 2023 raid on a Fort Worth game room that netted a similar haul. Back then, it was “protecting the community” from the scourge of illicit dice. Now, it’s Westlake’s turn to be saved from the horrors of a royal straight.

Here’s the rub: Texas’s gambling laws are a relic, a Puritan holdover in a state that prides itself on rugged individualism. The Copa Club wasn’t a den of mobsters laundering cartel cash—it was a social spot for grown-ups who’d rather ante up than binge Netflix. Membership fees sidestepped the “house cut” prohibition, a clever dodge that’s worked elsewhere. Yet Tarrant County’s finest seem hell-bent on proving a point: step out of line, and the long arm of the law will slap you back. Never mind that the state legislature’s been too busy grandstanding on culture war red meat to clarify this legal mess. Why fix a loophole when you can let sheriffs play judge and jury?

For those in Trophy Club and Denton County, this hits close to home. Westlake’s just down the road, and its strict anti-gambling bent—coupled with Tarrant County’s enforcement zeal—feels like a warning shot. Is Trophy Club next? Will some deputy eyeball a Friday night euchre game and cry “organized crime”? The Constitution doesn’t enshrine poker, but it sure as heck protects free association and property rights. Raiding a private club over a game of skill (don’t let the luck-fanatics fool you—Hold’em’s no slot machine). If Hulme and Whittington are criminals, then half the retirees in Denton County swapping quarters over bridge are, too.

The Copa Club’s Instagram post—shuttered “due to unforeseen circumstances”—drips with irony. Unforeseen? Hardly. When you’re in Sheriff Waybourn’s crosshairs, the only surprise is the hour the battering ram hits. The club’s hoping to reopen, but good luck with that in a town where the moralizing runs thicker than molasses. Meanwhile, the seized $4,000 and poker chips sit in evidence, a trophy for a Sheriff’s Office that’s apparently got nothing better to do than police card tables.

This isn’t about law and order—it’s about control. Tarrant County’s sending a signal: toe the line, or we’ll find a statute to bury you under. For constitutional conservatives, that’s a red flag bigger than the Lone Star itself. Texas thrives when its people are free, not when they’re cowering under the boot of selective enforcement. Maybe it’s time the legislature dealt a new hand—legalize poker rooms, tax ‘em, and let adults be adults. Until then, watch your bluffs, folks. The Sheriff’s got eyes everywhere.

As the driving force behind Trophy Club Media, Pipkins has curated an exclusive collection of his finest works for readers of the Texas Liberty Journal. This anthology is a profound exploration of Texas’ dynamic landscape, showcasing Pipkins’ dedication to truth and his unwavering commitment to exposing RINOs (Republicans In Name Only).

Presenting “Lone Star Uncovered: Tales from the Texas Liberty Journal,” the compelling second volume in Michael E. Pipkins’ three-part anthology series. Immerse yourself in the relentless pursuit of truth as Pipkins, the tenacious investigative journalist, uncovers the concealed stories, shedding light on the essence of Texas through the Texas Liberty Journal.

“Lone Star Uncovered” takes you on a captivating journey through the heart of Texas, where Pipkins confronts political deceit and reveals the hidden facets of the Texan narrative. From stirring political exposes to cultural revelations, Pipkins’ insightful writings offer a vivid portrayal of the Lone Star State, emphasizing his fearless mission to expose RINOs and uphold the principles of the Texas Liberty Journal.

This anthology is not just a collection of articles; it’s a testament to the power of investigative journalism in unraveling the intricacies of a society shaped by the relentless pursuit of truth. For ardent followers of the Texas Liberty Journal, “Lone Star Uncovered” is an indispensable addition to your collection. For those new to Pipkins’ work, this anthology serves as an immersive introduction to the world of investigative journalism, Texas-style, with a specific focus on exposing RINOs.

This volume encapsulates the very spirit of the Lone Star State. Dive into the revelations, unveilings, and extraordinary narratives that define Texas through the unwavering commitment of Michael E. Pipkins to investigative journalism. “Lone Star Uncovered: Tales from the Texas Liberty Journal” is more than a book; it’s a relentless journey into the heart of Texas, one exposed truth at a time.

-Advertisement-

In a world often veiled in secrecy, the quest for truth becomes more than a pursuit—it becomes a necessity. Michael E. Pipkins, the intrepid investigative journalist behind the powerful narratives that have graced the pages of Fate Tribune throughout 2023, invites you to embark on a riveting journey into the heart of truth with his latest masterpiece, “Truth Exposed: Chronicles of an Investigative Journalist.”

This compelling anthology brings together Pipkins’ groundbreaking writings, offering readers a unique opportunity to explore the untold stories that echo the urgency of justice. As the visionary founder of Trophy Club Media, Pipkins unravels the layers of secrecy that shroud our world, from corporate deception to political intrigue. Now, for the first time, you can experience the entirety of his work in one captivating volume.

“Truth Exposed” is not just a collection of articles; it’s a chronicle of courage, a call to action, and an exploration of the transformative power of truth. Within its pages, Pipkins delves deep into the shadows, laying bare the realities that demand our attention. He confronts corruption, challenges the powerful, and champions the voices silenced by injustice. This anthology is a testament to Pipkins’ unwavering commitment to exposing the truth that refuses to stay hidden.

Available exclusively on Amazon, “Truth Exposed: Chronicles of an Investigative Journalist” ($6.95) is more than a book—it’s an invitation to unravel the hidden narratives that shape our world. Step into the shoes of Michael E. Pipkins and witness the impact of unyielding journalism as he uncovers the truth that refuses to stay hidden.

By purchasing a copy of “Truth Exposed,” you are not only gaining access to a riveting collection of investigative journalism but also supporting the cause of truth and justice. Pipkins’ work goes beyond mere storytelling; it serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging us all to question, challenge, and strive for a world where transparency triumphs over deception.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement towards a more informed and just society. Order your copy of “Truth Exposed: Chronicles of an Investigative Journalist” on Amazon today and join Michael E. Pipkins in his relentless pursuit of truth.

Uncover the stories that matter. Support the cause. Purchase your copy now at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Exposed-Chronicles-Investigative-Publications/dp/B0CQTTH2TL/