Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Gary Watts, a former Richland County Coroner, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and SLED following his arrest in a police raid on what was claimed to be an illegal gambling operation. Watts contends that the poker game was legal under South Carolina law, asserting false arrest and malicious prosecution. The arrest led to charges against him, which were later dismissed. The case raises questions regarding law enforcement practices surrounding poker games in the state.
Irmo, South Carolina – Former Richland County Coroner Gary Watts has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) after being arrested during a police raid on an alleged illegal gambling operation. The lawsuit, filed on August 25, pertains to an incident that occurred in April 2024 when Watts and nine others were apprehended at an office suite in Irmo.
Watts contends that the arrest was unjustified, alleging “false arrest and malicious prosecution.” He claims that no illegal activity took place, as he and the other participants were simply playing poker among friends—a recreational activity he asserts is lawful under South Carolina legislation. The raid stemmed from an undercover operation where a SLED agent reportedly participated in the poker game using taxpayer funds allocated by the Irmo police.
Watts argues that the police acted without probable cause, referencing court rulings that clarify the specific circumstances under which poker can be deemed illegal. He states that the actions taken by law enforcement did not align with these legal limitations. Furthermore, the complaint disputes claims made by police that the game was hosted in a manner that involved “raking” or taking a cut from the pot, clarifying that any collected money was utilized solely for refreshments.
The lawsuit paints a picture of a violent raid, alleging that law enforcement stormed the suite wearing tactical gear and brandishing weapons, resulting in a confrontational situation that Watts claims was entirely unnecessary. He highlights that he had fully cooperated with police during the event, maintaining that he had explained the nature of the gathering at the time of the arrest.
Despite the fallout from the raid, which directly impacted Watts’s livelihood, the charges against him were dismissed when his son, Adam, faced a bench trial. During this trial, it was acknowledged that the poker games did not fall under the restrictions outlined in the statute used to justify their arrest. The lawsuit further seeks redress for lost wages and other consequential damages arising from the incident.
The Town of Irmo has publicly expressed disagreement with how Watts has characterized the police’s actions but plans to allow the judicial process to run its course. Initially, Watts’s son was convicted, but the conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal.
Watts’s complaint also discloses that he rented the office suite specifically for hosting personal and business poker games that occurred one or two times a week.
Background Context
The incident has raised questions about law enforcement practices surrounding poker games in South Carolina. The legal status of poker as a recreational activity continues to evolve, with various interpretations leading to ambiguity. The concerns surrounding the raid and subsequent arrests highlight the complexities of enforcing gambling laws and the impact these legal challenges have on individuals and communities.
FAQs
Why was Gary Watts arrested?
Gary Watts was arrested during a police raid that targeted an alleged illegal gambling operation where he and others were reportedly playing poker.
What claims does Watts make in his lawsuit?
Watts claims that the arrest was a false arrest and malicious prosecution, asserting that he and the other participants were not engaging in illegal activity and that the police acted without probable cause.
What was the outcome of the charges against Watts?
The charges against Watts were dismissed following a bench trial involving his son, where it was concluded that poker was not included under the statute used for their arrest.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Date | August 25, 2024 |
| Law Enforcement Involved | Irmo Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Nature of Arrest | Alleged false arrest and malicious prosecution in a poker game raid |
| Participants Involved | Gary Watts and nine others |
| Charges Outcome | Dropped; not recognized as illegal under South Carolina law |
| Damages Sought | Actual and consequential damages for lost wages |
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Additional Resources
- Your Source One: Settlement Over False DUI Arrest
- The State: Local Crime News
- ABC News: Activist Mahmoud Khalil Legal Support
- Wikipedia: Poker
- Google Search: South Carolina Gambling Laws
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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