Crónica Founder Charged in Illegal Gambling Investigation
Crónica Founder Charged — Eric Tunchez, the 37-year-old creator of the widely followed news outlet Corpus Christi Crónica, now faces multiple arrest warrants linked to an illegal gambling operation. A May 21 police report states his arrest stems from an ongoing investigation by CCPD’s Narcotics and Vice Division.
During a May 8 raid follow-up at Lucky Panda on Ayers Street, officers uncovered outstanding warrants against Tunchez. As they executed their search, authorities seized over $26,000 in cash and confiscated 145 pieces of illegal gambling equipment. In addition, police arrested four employees on gambling-related charges and issued misdemeanor citations to 52 patrons involved in the operation.
Furthermore, the Crónica Founder Charged case has drawn public attention due to Tunchez’s prominent role in local media and ongoing community discussions about illegal gambling enforcement in Corpus Christi.
Charges and Allegations
Tunchez faces five charges, including a felony for organized crime, carrying up to two years in jail and $10,000 fine. The remaining four Class A misdemeanors include gambling promotion, running an unlicensed game room, possessing equipment, and maintaining premises.
Tunchez surrendered to San Patricio County Jail on May 21, five days after warrant notice, despite Nueces County charges.
Tunchez Denies Allegations, Suggests Political Motivation
In a phone interview with the Caller-Times on May 22, Tunchez denied all charges. He believes the accusations are politically motivated, claiming they target his growing influence and his potential interest in running for public office.
“I’m working with my legal team to clear my name at this point, but I don’t want that to distract from my mission,” said Sanchez. “These charges are not just an attack on me, but on the small businesses I’ve helped navigate complex permit processes.”
Tunchez said he advises game room owners and small businesses on navigating permits and ordinances in Corpus Christi and Nueces County. He did not disclose the name of his consulting firm or confirm the Lucky Panda Game Room’s current legal status.
He is also considering legal action against the city, alleging harassment and interference with his work.
Crónica’s Rise Amid Legal Challenges
Launched in 2020 as a Facebook page, Corpus Christi Crónica quickly grew into a widely followed local news outlet, amassing over 300,000 followers. The platform has become known for breaking news and community-focused updates, particularly in South Texas.
Despite his media success, this is not Tunchez’s first encounter with law enforcement. Nueces County records show that police arrested him in 2020 on suspicion of assaulting his elderly stepfather but later dropped the charges.
Police Continue Crackdown on Game Rooms
The investigation into illegal gambling continues across Corpus Christi. Police raided Lucky Spot Game Room on Weber Road a day before targeting the Lucky Panda. Officers seized $6,500 and 13 illegal gambling items, arresting one employee for multiple charges, including violating county ordinances.
On May 21, officers arrested a 50-year-old woman, reinforcing efforts to shut down illegal gambling venues.
What’s Next for Tunchez?
As of May 22, police and court documents related to Tunchez’s recent arrest remain sealed or unavailable. As his legal team works to challenge the charges, the case brings up concerns about how media influence, business consulting, and legal responsibility intersect.
Whether these developments will affect Tunchez’s future political ambitions or his role with Crónica remains to be seen.