COLUMBIA, S.C. — Irmo Police have charged a group of suspects in what officers said was a bust of an illegal gambling operation.
According to investigators, they got community tips about something going on at an office suite at the Friarsgate Center in the 100 block of North Royal Tower. Officers say they learned that people would go to that location during planned events to play organized poker. Investigators say about 6 to 20 people would go to these events, and at the end of the night, the host of the games would collect some of the table winnings.
Police said they arrested 28-year-old Adam Watts, 67-year-old Gary Watts, and 53-year-old Daniel Schaffer on a charge of keeping unlawful gaming tables. Seven others were charged with playing at a gaming house. Officers said they seized over $15,000 in cash during the operation.
The suspects were cited and released and will have a court hearing in June.
“This type of activity is against state law, and will not be tolerated in Irmo,” said Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale in a statement. “We have seen in past gambling operations that lives have been lost because of the financial greed of some involved. We will not allow this activity to be a part of our community.”
Police said they were assisted in the investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
People with information regarding suspected illegal activity happening in the Town of Irmo can be sent to Midlands CrimeStoppers by calling 888-Crime-SC or www.p3tips.com.
