Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Gary Watts, former coroner of Richland County, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and SLED for alleged false arrest during an April raid. The raid, conducted by a SWAT team, targeted illegal gambling activities. Despite charges causing damage to his reputation, they were later dismissed. Watts argues that police misinterpreted cash from poker games as illegal income. This case raises concerns regarding police conduct and the legality of gambling in South Carolina.
Irmo, South Carolina – Gary Watts, the former coroner of Richland County, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for alleged false arrest during a raid in April 2024. The lawsuit was submitted to the Richland County court on August 25, 2025, following an incident that reportedly involved a SWAT team descending on Watts’ office suite as part of an operation targeting illegal gambling activities.
The raid occurred on April 10, 2024, resulting in the arrest of ten people, including Watts and his son Adam Watts, amid allegations that an illegal poker game was taking place in the office at 107 N. Royal Tower Drive. Police officers dressed in tactical gear and armed with assault rifles conducted the raid based on tips from the community indicating gambling activities near a children’s daycare, creating concerns over safety and legality.
Watts contends that the police response was excessive, comparing the operation to a military raid. The law enforcement authorities justified their actions by stating they needed to address serious allegations surrounding illegal gambling. Over $15,000 in cash was seized during the operation, which, according to officers, was collected from poker games held in his office to cover catering costs, not for profit.
Following the raid, charges of illegal gambling against Watts were eventually dismissed after he refused to testify against his son during their trial. Adam Watts was initially convicted for operating the games; however, that conviction was later overturned by a circuit court, which argued that poker games conducted in an office setting were not illegal under state law.
Watts claims that his arrest has caused substantial harm to his reputation and livelihood. He asserts that the police misinterpreted the “rake,” or the money taken to cover expenses for food and drinks served during the poker games, as income from illegal gambling activities. This ongoing legal battle raises questions about police conduct during the raid and the interpretations of gambling laws in South Carolina.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale had previously indicated that illegal gambling operations would not be tolerated, leading to this high-profile police operation. In response to the lawsuit, the Irmo Police Department issued a statement underscoring their commitment to transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
This case highlights the tensions between community safety, law enforcement tactics, and the legal boundaries surrounding social gambling. Gary Watts, who served as the coroner for Richland County from 2000 until his defeat in the 2020 election, is seeking redress for what he considers a miscarriage of justice following a significant and public disruption in his life.
Background Context
Gary Watts was the coroner for Richland County for two decades, gaining experience and public recognition in his role until he lost his re-election bid to Naida Rutherford in 2020. Since leaving office, his personal and professional life has faced scrutiny related to the allegations stemming from a poker game that escalated into a contentious legal issue with law enforcement.
The court proceedings related to the alleged illegal gambling activities have sparked debates about the legal definitions of gambling within South Carolina, as community concerns about gambling’s proximity to vulnerable populations, such as children in daycare facilities, continue to influence police strategies.
FAQ Section
Why is Gary Watts suing the Irmo Police Department?
Gary Watts is suing for alleged false arrest that occurred during a police raid on his office, which he claims used excessive force.
What happened during the police raid?
During the raid on April 10, 2024, ten individuals were arrested, including Gary Watts and his son, amid allegations of illegal gambling. The police utilized a SWAT team for the operation.
What were the outcomes of the charges against Gary and Adam Watts?
Charges against Gary Watts were dismissed when he refused to testify against his son. Adam Watts was initially convicted but had that conviction overturned by a circuit court, which stated the poker games were conducted legally in an office setting.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Irmo Police Department and SLED |
| Plaintiff | Gary Watts |
| Incident Date | April 10, 2024 |
| Charges Dismissed | Illegal gambling against Gary Watts |
| SWAT Involvement | Raided office with tactical gear |
| Location of Incident | 107 N. Royal Tower Drive |
| Monetary Seizures | $15,000 in cash seized |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Coroner Sues Police Over Alleged False Arrest in Poker Raid
Gary Watts Sues Irmo Police Over Poker Game Arrest
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Former Richland County Coroner Sues Irmo Police Department
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Post and Courier: Richland Coroner Gambling Bust
- Google Search: Gary Watts Richland County Coroner
- The State: Coverage on Gary Watts Case
- Wikipedia: Illegal Gambling
- WACH: Illegal Gambling Ring in Irmo
- Google News: Irmo Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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