Police Raid and Arrests
On April 10, in Irmo, South Carolina, a suburban town with approximately 12,000 residents in the Columbia Metropolitan area, police raided an illegal poker game being held in an office building. This raid came about after members of the community reported the alleged illegal activity to the authorities.
The raid was conducted following tips received by the police from community members about an illegal gambling operation at an office suite in Irmo. According to reports from Columbia’s CBS affiliate, WLTX (News 19), the police claim to have discovered that the suite hosted frequent poker events with six to 20 players in attendance. The host of these games is alleged to have collected a portion of the winnings.
During the raid, three individuals were arrested and charged with keeping unlawful gaming tables. The arrested individuals were identified as Gary Watts (67), Adam Watts (28), and Daniel Schaffer (53). Additionally, seven others present at the scene were charged with playing at a gaming house. The police seized $15,000 from the room during the raid.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating, “This type of activity is against state law, and will not be tolerated in Irmo.”
Disputes and Investigations
Gary Watts, a former Richland County coroner, disputed the allegations, claiming that the situation had been blown out of proportion. He insisted that the poker games were nothing more than friendly gatherings among friends and refuted the characterization of the games as an organized business.
However, the police stand by their investigation, stating that it was thorough and extensive. Chief Dale stated that they determined the poker games were not merely friendly gatherings but rather an organized business engaged in gambling.
The investigation, according to the police, had been ongoing for months, and a search warrant was obtained on April 10, leading to the raid and subsequent arrests. A court date has been set for June for those charged in connection to the illegal gambling operation.
Penalties and Consequences
South Carolina has strict anti-gambling laws, and operating illegal gambling establishments can result in severe penalties. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of property used in the commission of the crime.
The incident serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face when engaging in illegal gambling activities, especially in states with stringent anti-gambling laws like South Carolina.
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Q&A
Q1: What were the charges against the individuals arrested during the raid?
A1: The individuals arrested during the raid were charged with keeping unlawful gaming tables and playing at a gaming house.
Q2: What was the amount of money seized by the police during the raid?
A2: The police seized $15,000 from the room during the raid.
Q3: What are the potential penalties for violating South Carolina’s gambling laws?
A3: Penalties for violating South Carolina’s gambling laws can include fines, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of property used in the commission of the crime.
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