Irmo, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Gary Watts, the ex-coroner of Richland County, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and SLED. The action stems from his arrest during a poker game raid, which he claims was lawful. Watts argues that police had no probable cause for the raid, and he is seeking damages for lost wages and reputational harm. The case raises questions about the legality of poker games in private locations and the extent of police authority in enforcing gambling laws.
Irmo
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 false arrest and related charges. The lawsuit was initiated on August 25, 2025, in Richland County state civil court.
This legal action stems from an incident in April 2024 when Watts was arrested during a police raid on a poker game that took place in a rented office suite. The raid resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals, including Watts and his son, Adam Watts.
According to the lawsuit, SLED had an informant who infiltrated the game with hidden recording equipment, leading to the understanding that illegal activity was occurring. However, Watts argues that playing poker in a rented office suite does not violate South Carolina law. He maintains that the location does not fall under the illegal gambling venues outlined by state regulations, which explicitly list places such as taverns, inns, and streets.
Watts claims that there was no probable cause for law enforcement to forcibly enter the office suite where the poker game was held. He criticizes the conduct of the Irmo Police and SLED officers during the raid, likening their actions to those of a military unit. The lawsuit asserts allegations of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing, with Watts seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages due to lost wages, embarrassment, and harm to his professional image.
Before his arrest, Watts held significant positions, including serving as the marketing director of the South Carolina Coroners Association and the auditor of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. The circumstances surrounding his arrest led to the loss of both jobs, drastically affecting his career trajectory.
In March 2025, a ruling from State Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee clarified that poker played in a rented office space is legal, which resulted in the overturning of another player’s conviction from the same raid. Following this ruling, all charges against Watts were dropped by the Irmo Police Department.
The Town of Irmo, however, has defended the law enforcement actions, stating that they were necessary for community safety. Police Chief Bobby Dale has previously insisted that illegal gambling would not be tolerated in the area.
Watts contends that law enforcement misunderstood the concept of “raking” the pot, which involves taking a portion of the funds for expenses. This misunderstanding was incorrectly interpreted as evidence of illegal gambling activity.
In his lawsuit, Watts emphasizes that the poker game participants were local professionals engaging in the activity responsibly, contradicting police claims that such games posed a threat to community safety. The ongoing legal proceedings will now evaluate the merits of both sides regarding this controversy over gambling laws in South Carolina.
Background
The incident that prompted the lawsuit involves a police raid on a poker game, where usage of an informant and hidden recording devices led to the arrests of multiple participants. Following the raid, a legal interpretation established that such games in private locations do not necessarily equate to illegal gambling. This case raises questions regarding the extent of police authority in regulating gambling activities and the protection of individuals’ rights within private settings.
FAQ
What are the main allegations in Gary Watts’ lawsuit?
Gary Watts alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing against the Irmo Police and SLED, claiming that his poker game was legal under state law and that the raid was unjustified.
What happened during the police raid in April 2024?
The police raid led to the arrest of Gary Watts, his son, and nine other players. An informant infiltrated the poker game and reported the activities to law enforcement, prompting the raid.
What was the outcome of the charges against Gary Watts?
All charges against Gary Watts were dropped after the court ruled that playing poker in a rented office was legal.
Why does Gary Watts claim the police raid was excessive?
Watts argues that the force used by police during the raid was unnecessary and likened it to military operations, claiming that the officers were overly aggressive and did not have probable cause to raid the office.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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