Police officials in Newark reported the arrests of Mr. José DaSilva, 53, Mr. Victor Pereira, 61, and Mr. Byron Barraza, 31, each from Newark, in connection with a large gathering involving illegal alcohol and gambling Saturday night,
Police said in a statement, at approximately 10 p.m., members of the Newark Police Division’s Environmental, Graffiti and Vice Crimes Task Force responded to the Portuguese Soccer Club, 215 Wilson Avenue, on complaints of illegal alcohol and gambling.
According to police Newark Detectives observed Barraza unlocking a gate at the location for patrons to enter and exit. Upon entry, police observed some 50 people inside the establishment drinking alcohol, playing cards and using gambling machines.
Pereira was seen serving as a bartender at a fully stocked bar with a variety of beers and liquors, according to police,
DaSilva, the manager, was unable to furnish the appropriate paperwork for selling alcohol.
Police arrested the three men, then confiscating $6,829.00 in proceeds from the illegal sale of alcohol, cash from the gambling machines, along with 403 bottles of various beer, wine and liquor.
Police say DaSilva and Pereira each face charges of maintaining an unlawful liquor establishment, possession of alcohol, illegal sale of alcohol and possession of gambling devices.
Barraza faces a charge of aiding and abetting, according to police.