Arrest and Raid in 2024
In 2024, former Richland County coroner Gary Watts, 67, was arrested during a police raid on a poker game he hosted inside an office building in Irmo, South Carolina. Along with Watts, Adam Watts, 28, and Daniel Schaffer, 53, were also taken into custody. All three were charged with keeping unlawful gaming tables. Seven additional players faced charges, and officers seized $15,000 in cash.
At the time, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale defended the raid, stating: “This type of activity is against state law, and will not be tolerated in Irmo. 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.”
Court Rules Games Were Not Illegal
In 2025, a court ruled that the poker games hosted by Watts were not illegal. State law prohibits gambling in taverns, liquor stores, streets, and racetracks, but does not include office suites.
Watts argued that the gatherings were private games among friends and not a commercial gambling operation. The court agreed, recognizing that the games did not violate state law.
Lawsuit Against SLED and the Town of Irmo
On August 25, Watts filed a lawsuit in Richland County Common Pleas Court against the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Town of Irmo. He accuses both parties of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing.
The lawsuit states: “An office suite has never been an unlawful location for a poker game. There was no reasonable basis to believe that Watts had committed any crime.” His attorneys also described the group as “friends who routinely gather in an office suite to play poker, have dinner, and share fellowship.”
Responses from Officials
The Town of Irmo responded publicly through spokeswoman Ashley Hunter, who said: “While we don’t agree with the exceedingly creative characterizations in the Amended Complaint, the proper course of action is to allow our judicial process to run its course. The Town of Irmo remains committed to transparency, accountability, and acting in the best interest of our community.”
SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich released a brief statement: “It would be improper for SLED to discuss pending litigation.”
Background and Ongoing Debate
The raid was carried out after an informant tipped off authorities about alleged illegal poker games. Police investigated for several months before making arrests.
With the court ruling that the games themselves were not illegal, Watts is now seeking financial compensation, claiming that the police raid was unjustified. The case highlights ongoing debates in South Carolina over how gambling laws should be interpreted and whether private poker games among friends fall within legal boundaries.
