A former Richland County Coroner was busted by the Irmo Police Department for holding illegal gambling games next to a children’s day care center.
Gary Watts (67) of Chapin, Adam Watts (28) of Chapin, and Daniel Schaffer (53) of Lexington were charged with (Keeping Unlawful Gaming Tables). Seven other individuals were charged with playing at a gaming house. Over $15,000 in cash was seized. All suspects were cited and released with a pending court hearing of June 2024.Irmo Police were made aware of the illegal activities by tips from the community.
Detectives began an investigation, which led them to an office suite located in the Friarsgate Centre, 100 block of N. Royal Tower. During the investigation, detectives learned that anywhere from 6 to 20 people would show up during planned events to play organized poker. At the end of these evening games, the “house/host” of the games would collect portions of the table winnings.
“This type of activity is against state law, and will not be tolerated in Irmo,” said Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale. “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.”
Gary Watts served 5 terms as coroner for Richland County for a total of 20 years beginning in 2001 and was defeated in 2021 by Nadia Rutherford.
The Irmo Police Department would like to thank the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.
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.
