27 arrested in gambling sting
Deputy solicitor among those charged in poker operation
Grace Beahm
The Post and Courier
Charleston County gambling bust
A collection of Lowcountry law enforcement officers say they arrested 26 people for gambling at 6916 Tanner Hall Blvd. in Hanahan.
A news release identified them as:
--Mark A. Silverstein, 32
--Hosain Abou, 43
--Quang Tuyen Ho, 32
--Errol Samuel, 38
--Harold Hutzler, 44
--David Michel Scaffe, 37
--Jerry Gambrell, 58
--Charles Hendricks, 77
--Martin Orlando Reyes, 41
--Joe Simmons, 53
--Edward Scoplelitis, 35
--Jeffrey Wendelberger, 37
--Tae Sun Ciozo, 47
--Jordan Michelle Eads, 25
--Donald Neils Sorenson, 38
--Thomas William Vieth, 52
--Robert Donald Wallens, 62
--Angelo Convertino, 80
--Daniel Francis LLaccera, 41
--Qui Ho, 31
--Hussein Abukhdeia, 44
--Thauh Viet Do, 51
--Adam King, 33
--Charles Mcintosh, 37
--Jose Luis Benitez, 49
--Bart Joseph Wolfe, 39
First Circuit Deputy Solicitor Don Sorenson is among 27 people arrested in an undercover investigation of what authorities described as a well-organized poker and gambling operation with paid pit bosses and dealers.
All but one of the arrests were made Friday night at 6916 Tanner Hall Blvd. in Hanahan, where law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized more than $40,000, Charleston County Sheriff's Maj. John Clark said. Sorenson, 38, was at that game, Clark said.
Sorenson tendered his resignation Saturday. Solicitor David Pascoe said he is not accepting it now, but is suspending Sorenson without pay and will make a decision in the next few weeks on Sorenson's future with the office.
Sorenson has been a prosecutor for 13 years and deputy solicitor for the past three, Pascoe said. "I'm very disappointed," said Pascoe, who is up for re-election this year. "This is a black eye on us."
Poker is illegal under a 200-year-old state law that prohibits dice and card games. Police have raided other local games, like a 2006 Texas hold 'em tournament at a Mount Pleasant house, but the 18 arrests in that bust don't compare with what the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said they uncovered in a 10-month investigation.
"This isn't boys' poker night out," Clark said. "This isn't just friends getting together and playing poker for a quarter or a dollar. This was an organized poker operation in which they had people in positions who were acting as employees. They were being paid to do their jobs."
Clark said authorities identified four locations in addition to Tanner Hall Boulevard where the same core group of people met on specified nights to engage in casino-style gambling. Those locations were 7634 Southrail Road, 2895 Spa Road and 2694 Lake Park Drive, all in North Charleston, and 1145 Rivershore Road in the Beresford Creek subdivision of Daniel Island, Clark said.
The investigation has identified 65 people in the organization. The Charleston County Metro Major Case Unit and Charleston, North Charleston and Hanahan police departments raided the Tanner Hall Boulevard home of Martin and Dawn Reyes around 10 p.m. Friday and arrested 26 people. Another person was arrested Saturday at an undisclosed location.
Dawn Reyes said she was just about to step into the shower when a group of officers, some wearing ski masks, came through the front door.
More officers swarmed the bottom floor where the couple keeps a small office and the game room. They left little behind downstairs, seizing two poker tables, the plastic tables she used for snacks, a ceiling-mounted projector and its screen and a flat-screen TV. She said they also took her laptop.
Dawn Reyes said she and her baby sitter were put on the floor and cuffed with plastic ties. She then sat on the sofa next to her 5-year-old daughter. Her 13-week-old daughter was asleep through most of the raid. A female officer changed the baby's diapers after she awoke, the mother said.
Martin Reyes began playing Texas Hold 'em about a year ago and started hosting games about eight months ago, his wife said. Initially 12 or 13 people attended, but the games grew, she said.
Games usually began around 6 p.m. She fixed food for the group, set it up in the office area, wished them luck, then took the elevator upstairs to be with her girls.
Dawn Reyes described the participants as a bunch of friends and said her husband wasn't paid. He controlled the chips because he hosted the game, but if a player cashed out at the end of the night with $2,000 in chips, that's what he got back, she said.
She said she takes the raid seriously, but the law banning gambling in South Carolina needs to be changed.
"It's something in the privacy of your own home," and it's just a card game, she said.
Clark described an efficient operation that ran like a business. "They had specific nights that they gambled. The bosses determined where the games were being held and determined the buy-in."
The buy-in was anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per game, he said. The person who sponsored the event was paid a specific amount each time a hand was played.
Those arrested Friday night and Saturday were charged by Hanahan police with unlawful games and betting. Twelve of the 26 had outstanding warrants through the Charleston County Sheriff's Office for unlawful games and betting, Clark said.
That charge is a magistrate's-level offense, but Clark said the people who were dealers or bosses will likely face General Sessions charges, meaning the punishment could be harsher.
Reach Nita Birmingham at 745-5858 or nbirmingham@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 74 comment(s)
Posted by umakebrains on April 6, 2008 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh well, can't invite friends over for a game of texas hold em,any more, with the high cost of keeping your home, people will have to do more than sell chicken dinners to make ends meet. This was a private party leave these people alone.
Posted by auger on April 6, 2008 at 2:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Priceless!
Posted by kozisallin on April 6, 2008 at 2:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you should study the law or at least read it before you comment about something that you don't know anything about! The law that they're charged under states that any game with cards or dice is illegal. Thats it, end of story! We don't have a true law to address this matter. Section 16-19-40 of sc law. And please keep your morals to yourself.
Posted by BillytheKid on April 6, 2008 at 2:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a waste of time and money.
Posted by kozisallin on April 6, 2008 at 3:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes it is and it doesn't matter what Mr Sorenson can or can't afford, he can spend the money the he makes as he pleases. It doesn't matter what you can afford either so, please once again, keep your meaningless comments to yourself.
Posted by onedeep on April 6, 2008 at 6:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone reading this ends up on the jury or knows someone who does, please remember that you have an option beyond a simple "guilty" or "not guilty" verdict.
It is called jury nullification, and it is a right that all juries have to judge not just the defendants, but also the law itself. If the law is outdated, unfair, immoral, or wrongly applied, the jury can say so, and thus can render a verdict of not guilty.
If there is one law that seems to need nullification, it would be this one. After all, the law technically makes games like Monopoly illegal. It needs to be addressed.
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It's something in the privacy of your own home …”
I am very pleased that the police are doing their job.
I am fed up with people that excuse all manner of illegal acts on the grounds that it occurred “in the privacy of their home”. Crime is crime and the location where it occurred is irrelevant.
No-brainers who extend nonexistent “privacy rights” to criminal activities are beneath contempt.
Posted by ForPnC on April 6, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No more Yahtzee or Free Cell on my computer then?
Put away those Chutes and Ladders and Uno games that your kids are playing for pretzels and mini-marshmallows as well.
You can keep playing Quarters while drinking though!
Posted by ForPnC on April 6, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yeah... My stance on this...
I really don't have an opinion on this one. Since I'm not into gambling I don't know if 27 people is a large number or not. Does 27 constitute a large scale gambling ring or is this something that the guys get together for once in a while?
As for the morals of gambling - keep your morals to yourself and I'll do the same.
Posted by majorjohnson on April 6, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They had a team of cops on this for 10 months. How many burglaries, assaults, car thefts happened while they were taking down a card game? As far as harpo's morals, if this had been a monopoly game it would have been just as illegal under the same law. I don't gamble, but I do play cribbage and I'm breaking the law every time I do.
Few things breed contempt for law faster than bad laws. Remember how people felt about 55 on interstates that were built specifically (and expensively) for high speed auto travel? It was about revenue, and dangerous driving was virtually ignored in favor of more profitable and easier speeding tickets, and people knew it and hated it.
And as far as how the solicitor spends his money, that's his money and his business. I'm pretty sure Harpo has some expenditures that I would find quite ridiculous and a waste of money.
Posted by kozisallin on April 6, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo seems to be quick to judge. Once again just read the law . I'm sure that some time or another, Harpo has played some sort of game that has either cars or dice involved. Thats just as illegal as playing poker under this law. He has already judged me as a poker player without knowing any facts! Post like his will all and all help this cased out and show just how simple minded people like that are. Hiding out in their shadows casting down judgement on others.
Posted by prettywoman2457 on April 6, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad the Sorenson had been busted for something. I find him arrogant and an a@@ towards people that pay his salary and demand justice in crimes that the prosecutes. Those dollars he gambles are from his pay that SC tax payers pay him for the lousy job that he does. Good Riddence!! He broke the law plain and simple! He is supposed to be inforcing those laws, but some of us know how lousy he is at that....so be it.
Posted by pirate42 on April 6, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
where are our gambling ships like in the Brevard County region of Florida come on SC time to Use our ports for more fun.. I missed the day tours out at sea.. SC got to get with program soon I hope ....
Posted by abitskeptical on April 6, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those who respond with the knee jerk no-brainer response that "crime is crime", I'm sure that at least one of you is rather close to someone who has engaged in criminal activity by violating
SC Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses:
CHAPTER 15.
OFFENSES AGAINST MORALITY AND DECENCY
ARTICLE 1.
SECTION 16-15-80. "Fornication" defined.
"Fornication" is the living together and carnal intercourse with each other or habitual carnal intercourse with each other without living together of a man and woman, both being unmarried.
Hypocrisy is alive and well.
Posted by blackgoat on April 6, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One of the biggest problems in this country is that many people brainlessly sit back and go "that's the law, we must obey it" without giving any common sense thought as to whether or not the law makes sense, still applies, and/or is fair.
Onedeep, I definitely agree with your call for jury nullification.
How many of you on here were hurt or negatively affected by the actions of the people arrested last night? It's their money. They earned it and paid taxes on it. Let them do whatever they want with it.
Posted by hoyce on April 6, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder what the opinion is of the law and monopoly? (since you can win or lose money, albeit fake money)
We really need to stop all of the gambling, all of the innocent lives being lost (sarcasm).
I guess traffic law enforcement doesn't make the front pages as does busting up a weekend poker party.
Posted by svilleswampfox on April 6, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like he broke the law, but I think it's a stupid law. I disagree with Harpo's tax implications, in that the "losers" of this game could have simply given the money to the "winners", and there would be no tax implications.
There is a difference between immoral and illegal. Gambling is illegal is SC, and I agree it is immoral, although I occassionally do it anyway. There are other Christians out there like me who are not "good" Christians. Hell, prostitution is legal in parts of Nevada, but clearly immoral to most folks.
Harpo - not sure why kozisallin got arrogant with you like that, but I see your name on here quite a bit, and don't know that I've ever seen his. Some, like me, can disagree with you or anyone else without being disrespectful, or completely ridiculous. Don't let him(?) bother you...I'm sure you won't anyway.
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A simple belief that a law is not liked, bad or outdated is a subjective (personal) opinion. That opinion carries no more weight than any other opinion until it has been properly presented to the courts for adjudication.
The courts are not free to overturn a law simply because it is not liked. One has to present a legitimate case to invoke the courts jurisdiction. If a legitimate case cannot be presented to the courts then the matter should be taken up with the legislature.
People who take it upon themselves to violate laws they disagree with have also taken upon themselves the risk of penalty for their choice.
If people want this law changed, at least make an effort to do it the right way.
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that Harpo cut to the chase and didn't have to grasp at other straws of self-justification and ambiguous attack. You go Harpo!
(Some of the others are equally free to just -- go.)
Posted by theblueduece on April 6, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo....
You are correct in your statement... “the state doesn't get to collect taxes on illegal gambling.”
However they control the biggest legal gambling operation in the state… just in case you didn’t know, it is called the “South Carolina Education Lottery”
Harpo… Have you played it lately??
Posted by RTC on April 6, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That list of names is quite a melting pot of nationalities.
Posted by ed52 on April 6, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
great bust , now lets stop church bingo, all raffles , poker runs ( opps benefit runs ,poker runs are illegal already) . we can,t tolerate any form of gambling. DANG, i just missed on my lottery ticket..
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No one has yet voiced any concerns for the welfare of the two little girls (5 yrs old and 13 wks. old) who were placed in this situation by their parents.
How hypocritical is that.
Posted by oldglory on April 6, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ColdBeer and lillycollette are correct. Laws must be changed. Laws cannot just be scoffed at.
Please note that "dice and card games are illegal", not gambling--unless P&C 'missed the mark again'.
No one has commented as to First Circuit Deputy Solicitor Don Sorenson. My word, has he lost his mind, or has he just never had a brain?? How DO these types get into office and/or hold responsible positions. At least he has enough wits to offer his resignation, rightfully so. Solicitor David Pascoe must be thinking of allowing all of us to break the law, since he's not accepting Mr. Sorenson resignation. A law for me is a law for each of us, right?
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These fine up-standing parents engaging in harmless violations of law and innocent tax evasion can of course present criminal background checks on all the co-defendants they invited into their home around their children -- right.
Posted by willx45x on April 6, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to the police state, where overzealous law enforcement behaves more like the Nazi SS Brownshirts than police officers in the United States. It's our fault folks - we've allowed them to seize this kind of power and now we must take it back. I don't want to live in a police state where a bunch of tools with junior college educations get to raid my house and fulfill their power trip fantasies just because I'm hosting a home poker game. Citizens need to rise up and say no more! This is a travesty and a miscarriage of justice of the highest order. Disgusting. Do not trust the government (state, local or federal) and do not trust the police! They are not your friends - they are the instruments of the autocrats.
Posted by ChrisPia on April 6, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Willx45x...The Police were doing there jobs enforcing the law...A law that politicians put in place and have not repealed..Mr Sorenson should have known better and showed poor judgement.
Posted by moonpie on April 6, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Those that say its a "victim less crime", how about the fact that half of them had outstanding warrants? Maybe poker is...
Sorrenson not only broke the law, he hangs with criminals it appears. Should have at least done his homework into who was attending.
Nice neighborhood, I almost bought a lot in there. You'd think with the number of cars showing up someone would have complained? Or maybe they did.
Posted by martin on April 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bet Sorenson made some cops mad about something. They found out about his gambling and went from there.
Posted by ChrisPia on April 6, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeh Martin It's a witch Hunt. LOL
Posted by JohnS on April 6, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is high stakes poker without a gambling permit. Operating a business in a residential neighborhood. The cash assets of the sale of the house should bring a pretty good sum.
Posted by commentornot on April 6, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
willx45x - Remember your statements next time you pick up the phone to dial 911. Also be sure to let them know you are being shot at so that the police officers don't waist their time and risk getting shot at to save your life!
For all others posting, I believe in fair taxation. I pay federal, state, social security, medicare, local and property taxes. Often counting pennies to do so. Why should these non-law abiding citizens not pay their share on their winnings and salaries. By the way, we will be paying for their court time and possibly their court appointed attorneys if they can not afford one!
Posted by ChrisPia on April 6, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Use The Forfeiture laws to pay for this. If applicable.
Posted by crackerJ on April 6, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ten months of wasted time and resourses, this just happen last year in mt pleasant and they want take it to trail because they know they want get a jury to convict. instead of breaking up card games they could go out to the isle of palms an arrest the kids building the sand castles.
Posted by jmw29410 on April 6, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A 200 year old State Law that bans card and dice games. Hmmmm?
So the next time I invite a friend over for Backgammon or Monnopoly, I'm risking arrest? I have a handheld 5-card video poker game that I kill time with. Should I, as a Good Citizen of Hanahan, tuck my tail 'tween my legs and surrender my game and offer my hands for cuffs at the Palatial Hanahan City Hall and Police Emporium?
Oh! And let's be fair! They closed Pappy's for 30 days on gambling related BS. I assume they will lock these folks out of their house for 30 days as well?
Posted by bpwnz on April 6, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
go fish with your grandmother is illegal.
Posted by ChrisPia on April 6, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Judicial forfeiture has the initial burden of proof of probable cause. Probable cause is the idea that it is probable that a crime has been committed and its probable that the seized items were fruits or instruments of that crime. Upon presentation of sufficient probable cause that the property has been tainted by the illegal conduct, it is the responsibility of the claimant (or defendant) to refute the government's claims and, if sufficient discrediting evidence or argument is presented, the property returns to the possession of the claimant. However, if after hearing arguments and evidence of the claimant and the government, the court decides that there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt supporting the government's case, then the asset will be forfeited.
Often the question of whether criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture constitute double jeopardy arises. On June 24, l996, the United States Supreme Court decided a landmark case, U.S. v. Ursery, which brought finality to this question. In the Ursery matter, the government brought civil forfeiture proceedings against Ursery's house. The allegations were that it had been used to facilitate illegal drug transactions. Just before settling the forfeiture matter, Ursery was indicted and later convicted of manufacturing marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S. Code sections, 841(a)(1). The Court of Appeals reversed Ursery's conviction and held that the forfeiture and criminal conviction constituted double jeopardy.
The United States Supreme Court hearing the Ursery case, decided that the following factors were important:
1. In rem civil forfeiture has not historically been regarded as
punishment.
2. The fact that both actions are tied to criminal activity is
insufficient in itself to render them punitive.
The Supreme Court also found that "Congress may impose both criminal and civil sanctions with respect to the same act of omission" (Helvering, 303 U.S., at 309). The Court went further saying that in rem civil forfeitures are neither "punishment" nor criminal for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
In essence, the Supreme Court ruled that criminals may suffer punishments resulting from their convictions and may also have their possessions forfeited, without constituting double jeopardy.
***From SC Magazine***
This includes houses,cars,currency,jewelry etc..
Posted by abitskeptical on April 6, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For all of you who want each & every violation of a law prosecuted to the fullest degree, why aren't you advocating prosecution of all unwed mothers(& supposed sperm donor)& all those women(& sperm donor) who get pregnant before marriage. Clearly they have violated SC law, & therefore engaged in criminal activity.
Please note that questioning certain aspects of this case such as the use of law enforcement resources & even the law with which the poker players were charged, does not necessarily translate into a blaze attitude about the law, nor does it indicate that the questioner condones disregard for the law.
One of my concerns is this: With the limited funds & other resources that all law enforcement agencies seem to cite as a problem, it seems imperative that they prioritize how these resources will be used.
With knowledge of cases (in which people are actually being physically victimized) being dismissed with little to investigation being done, I certainly do question the setting of law enforcement priorities when multiple resources are employed for 10 months for something such as this.
Posted by UrGatorbait on April 6, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Then all you people who play solitaire, gin rummey and bridge, according to our resident legal experts, better post a sentry outside.
What a a butt backwards law, typical for this state. Kudos to the law enforcement community for keeping us safe again from the crime bosses. :rolleyes:
Those around these here parts that are apparently worried about tax collection from hosting private poker parties obviously haven't had enough of big gubmint intrusion into their personal lives. I guess you could say it's illegal if they can't tax it.
Posted by UrGatorbait on April 6, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lilly spare us the "what about the children" bunk. Just keep being a fan of the big gubmint.
Skeptical and onedeep, well said
Gotta go hide my monopoly game and cribbagge games...
Posted by TacrolimusAddict on April 6, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I enjoy my Nichol, Dime, Quarter game of poker and I could afford a $300 buy in game every once in a while. I wish I could find a game like this. Change this antiquated and useless Blue Law. Stop making criminals out of my good neighbors!!
Posted by ChrisPia on April 6, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
abitskeptical...My point was simple.The cops are doing there jobs.They as I probably think that the law is not worded right and should be removed or re-done..My Other Point that if The solicitors would use the forfeiture laws more than more funding would be available for our Officers and Deputies and alleviate the tax burden.Did you ever think where these criminals that were playing at this game got the money?(Robbery,Burglary,Larceny,drug proceeds Maybe?)Outstanding Warrants for What? Good Job Officers. Thank You!
Posted by justafan on April 6, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a waste of time and money. There are so many better ways that they could have spent 10 mos of investigating.
Who saw Mount Pleasants finest with thier speed trap at the bottom of the new bridge on Friday afternoon? Nice greating to the 50,000+ tourists in town for the Bridge run. Welcome to town here's your ticket.
Barney Fife at his best.
Posted by commentornot on April 6, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris
You hit the jackpot. I agree. 4 properties and who knows what else could sure help the departments. In turn it would not take almost a year of monitoring before moving in.
Thanks!
Posted by grad_and_parent on April 6, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations willx45x you win the Godwin's Law prize. Look it up.
What many of you alarmists are missing is the simple fact that these folks had to buy into the game AND the house was getting a cut. This isn't just a bunch of friends getting together, this a serious poker game, with employees ran like a business.
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does one ever notice some comments are so incongruous that there is no legitimate way to respond or engage in rational dialogue—probably not?
Posted by lillycollette on April 6, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am very pleased that the police are doing their job.
I am fed up with people that excuse all manner of illegal acts on the grounds that it occurred “in the privacy of their home”. Crime is crime and the location where it occurred is irrelevant.
No-brainers who extend nonexistent “privacy rights” to criminal activities are beneath contempt.
Posted by whome on April 6, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, sometimes the illegality of the action does depend on the location of the crime. Since we're on a constitutional law spree today. e.g. Stanley v. Georgia.
Posted by abitskeptical on April 6, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nope, didn't miss at all that there was some serious poker going on. (I guess it was serious-I have never played poker or gambled in any way..not even an "education lottery" ticket)
I do not argue that if what these people were doing was against the law, law enforcement certainly had a basis to make the arrests.
My point is that I have seen or know about too many examples where other criminals, such as stalkers, domestic abusers & child molesters are virtually ignored by local law enforcement. Yet much time & money is spent investigating & prosecuting activities such as illicit card games & 2 bit pot smokers-- activities that while illegal, pale in comparison to abuse & violence against the innocent.
If the law enforcement agencies find themselves short of resources I'd rather see the resources spent on the investigation, arrest & prosecution of one stalker or child molester before the arrest of multiple illicit poker players.
Posted by ChrisPia on April 6, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
abitskeptical.....All complaints are handled in most Departments..The Amount of officers used for these arrests was used because of safety in numbers....Officers safety is a priority...The investigation was probably conducted once a week by 2-3 officers......Forfeiture of the houses and cars would have more than sufficed.. Let The criminal elemant pay for this not the taxpayer...
Posted by baltimoreraven on April 6, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i see a huge problem with this bust. if you turn on the tv you can find atleast one poker show on. why are they letting tv programs promote an illegal activity 24-7? not to mention all the poker commercials advertising and luring in people to play poker. this is a disgrace. before you can clean up the home games why not cut off the advertising and promoting that goes on on our tv's. ok i know its tv and they have people killing people on tv and everyone knows thats illegal but this is real life people getting gloryfied and rich for winning poker tournaments and cash games on tv. then those guys who win on tv tell all of america to play poker and how fun it is and how much their lifes changed for the better.
playing poker is 100 times less gamble then playing the sc state lottery or even playing bingo and those are both legal.
i see how people who hold home games and take rake every hand are breaking the law because they are making huge profits every night for running a "casino type business" but the players are all brainwashed from seeing poker on tv 24-7 and they are just following what they see on tv. either legalize gambling with no rakes in SC or cut off illegal promoting shows that air on our tvs. shows such as WSOP, WPT, high stakes poker, poker after dark, pros vs celebrities, and of coarse the countless commericals promoting online poker.
Posted by abitskeptical on April 6, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not sure what you mean by "handled". If you mean all complaints have a corresponding incident report, then I suppose one could say they are handled.
I am not making a sweeping statement based on supposition. I am not making a sweeping generalization based on one incident. I have knowledge of a # of various types of cases, involving violence,potential violence, abuse & probable cause thereof, which were not properly investigated, if they were investigated at all.
In a couple of these cases, an investigation would have prevented a lot of heart ache. The criminals "got away with it" & the victims were victimized in more than one way.
In at least one case, the child molester is now in the registry, but he never spent more than a night in jail.
In yet another case-well the jury is still out on how it will end & I pray every night that my friend & her children are not harmed or killed by her sociopath soon to be ex-husband.
After a while, it does seem that a pattern emerges.
Posted by theblueduece on April 6, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
comment...
...if it is illegal to play games with cards or dice and if it is illegal to have a table to play card games on...
then why can you go to any depatment store and buy these items????
just a thought...
Posted by theblueduece on April 6, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
harpo...
Still waiting on your response....have you ever played the sc educ. lottery???
an honest response would be........
Posted by ashepoo on April 6, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gambling (not running a gaming establishment) runs you a one hundred dollar fine and maximum of 30 days. Speeding carries a max fine of two hundred and thirty days (acoording to the legislature, not local municipalities). Speeding in a work zone, even one mile over, earns you a five hundred dollar fine. South Carolina Code 10-11-40 through 10-11-60 makes it a one hundred dollar fine and thirty days to park in the wrong spot between 8:30am and 5:30pm or to drive over ten miles an hour on State property. You would literally be amazed at how many offenses are out there that carry a one hundred dollar fine and a maximum of thirty days.
Was a law violated by the people who were playing? Absolutely- but I guarantee that there is not one person who has or will make a post who has not committed a magistrate level offense that carried a 100 dollar fine and maximum of thirty days.
It seems to be getting blown out of proportion. Folks, it is a ticketing offense. Obviously the story has not completely developed, but there does not seem to be any reason whatsoever for all of the arrests except for the sensationalism.
Posted by candygirl on April 6, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Illegal Gambling is Illegal Gambling,these people broke the law and should be arrested.
" Good Job Officers, Keep up the good Work "
Posted by baltimoreraven on April 6, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
and while youre at it officers arrest candygirls kids for playing monopoly
Posted by chili_dow on April 6, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some made the point that Don broke the law while he was supposed to uphold it. We're all Hypocrites to some degree. No one is perfect. This was by no means a big game. Also what about Churches that host Poker fund raising, does this that the preacher is wrong and should be condemned. Wasting 10months to bust a poker game is ridiculous compared to busting a drug ring, sex offender, burgulars, and other heinous crimes. What is wrong here. I agree the law is the law, but to a certain degree which is why we have a judicial system and legislative system to refine things. Just today i bought a bottle of wine for dinner on Sunday, which just past in the city of columbia. Some would think wrong, but would you rather have someone drive to a bar or resturant, have a few drinks and drive. Let's have some common sense here. Also the law states that any games with cards or dice is illegal (Real money, fake money, marshmellows, even sugar packets). So does this mean that the police and the government can arrest your kids too for playing a game of Monopoly or Go-Fish. If it's illegal to one then it should be illegal to all. I'm pretty sure the arresting officials and government officials and pretty much everyone that has kids or nieces/nephews that ever played should be arrested too because i know i've bought board games with cards and dices for my nieces/nephews. Wether i agree or not that Don did right is not for me to judge, the judicial system will decide that but the law requires some re-writing. We're not living in the 19th century here people. Also I have to say I feel bad that the kids were involved indirectly. I do have an opinion that the kids should have been moved to another room or not have their mother tied sitting next to them. Cops did wrong there. No kid should have to witness their mother in such a situation. besides, it's just a poker game which the article didn't state that she was playing, just playing a good host for a party. i don't think she should have been cuffed. Having been a former enforcement officer, it's up to the officer to decide and not a mandate to tie someone down. They went overboard in this part of the arrest. I really feel sorry for the kids.
Posted by majorjohnson on April 6, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey lilly...your kids or grandkids ever play sorry, monopoly, cribbage? Same crime. I say toss the little bastard criminals in jail and let em rot.
Posted by luvmydogs59 on April 6, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh-oh...I just turned around and saw the game Buzz Word and it has a dice in it!! Better make sure I put that out on garbage night! And maybe I'll have to cancel my Pogo account too...there's lots of card games on there! At the rate things are going, we might as well just all stay in bed, because if we get out, we might end up doing something illegal (in the eyes of this wonderful state) during the course of our day. Time for SC to move into the 20th century...let alone the 21st.
Posted by chili_dow on April 7, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
by the way. the last time i looked nowhere in the U.S. Constitution when drafted did it specifically say Poker (Gambling) was illegal or for that matter cards or dice. Also, i don't see that anywhere in the Ten Commandments as well. oops, just remembered "Seperation of Church and State", but that is pointless also since i've been to a few churches that held poker fundrasing not just Baptist but Catholics (i'm catholic), Presbyterian, and a few others. So someone go ahead and call the cops on me. I have no problem taking this to the Supreme Court. My point here is if SC wants taxes out of poker games, so be it i'll pay to hold one just let me know how just like registering for a protest in front of the state capitol. Also, if you ever been to a casino, then you'll know there's a certain minimum that you have to start claiming for taxes. As Ashepoo pointed out, it's just a ticketing offense. My beef is the freedom that this impose however slight. If anyone even looked at 2% of the laws that SC is supposed to enforce, you would be shocked if not appalled. I for one will admit on any given day i break some type of law, not intentional like speeding a little just to get away from a super large truck on my tail. or just making a friendly lunch bet with my friends. So call the cops on me I broke the law and as some has mentioned "The Law is the Law" (sounds like Judge Dredd).
Posted by grad_and_parent on April 7, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know the exact law they were arrested under? I would like to look it up and read it for myself.
Posted by lillycollette on April 7, 2008 at 5:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One certainly could not be prosecuted for engaging in the type of games mentioned by most of the posters. Blindly alleging that the government has some nefarious plan to criminalize family entertainment only speaks badly of those who make such inflammatory conjectures.
The case of Stanley v. Georgia, 394 U.S. 557 (1969) does protect one’s right of privacy in their home. However, it does not afford protection to those who engage in criminal activity in their home. One’s home is not a criminal prosecution free zone.
The present case was about an illegal casino type gambling scheme being conducted in one’s home. It was not about Mom and Pop playing board games with their child. At least one of the participants was a licensed attorney who had the duty to know and therefore did know that this was in violation of the law.
I do not condone -- “ANYONE” -- flippantly hiding behind constitutional rights to conceal and excuse criminal acts. Of course that will not endear me to those who deem themselves above the law. That type of mentality can only appreciate those down on their level.
STANLEY v. GEORGIA, 394 U.S. 557 (1969) dealing with the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment, http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/ge....
Posted by commentornot on April 7, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Theblueduece
By no means am I oppose to the games. What I feel is not just is that these players were earning salaries and huge jackpots without taxation. There are many complaints of the time spent investigating these games. If the appropriate taxes were paid on earnings and winnings, then such agencies would have more resources to work with. I work for a few hundred dollars a week and pay my taxes. One year of not paying and filing, you know where I would end up and so would you unless your salary is from poker jackpot winnings and gaming salaries.
Posted by martin on April 7, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Operation Lost Trust got started way back when due to legislators playing poker with lobbyists at the Townhouse in Columbia. I always thought it was interesting none of them were charged with the gambling offenses. I remember because a representative of mine was one. They prosecute when they want to.
Posted by letsgetserious on April 7, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
North Charleston is the 7th most dangerous city in America, and the police conduct a 10-month investigation into illegal card playing.
Just think how many dangerous criminals could've been apprehended in that time. Instead, the police are making headlines arresting businessmen and 80 year olds.
This is a joke. Next thing you know, they'll be targeting March Madness pools and Fantasy Leagues.
Try using our tax dollars to actually catching real criminals.
Posted by chalstonbred on April 7, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I get caught playing monopoly jr., does that carry the same offense as regular monopoly?
Posted by dmwallac on April 7, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo: "Lillycollette's right on target here .. when you combine
the card game with monetary stakes you've crossed the line.
Some consistency here please. Lilly and Harpo have argued that the law is the law and these people broke the law. Now Lilly argues, and Harpo agrees, that it's OK TO BREAK THE LAW, but when combined with the MONEY then it's not ok. Do you get this??? The LAW does not allow card and dice games. (Yes there is a PERIOD on that) Why do YOU TWO get to decide that your kids can play card/dice games on family night since money is not involved?
Posted by USCBUG on April 7, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, I understand that this is a law. It is a ridiculous law! Why the hell shoudn't people be able to play a card game if they choose. It is their money! It is a game that people get paid to do if they are good at it, just like baseball, basketball and football. This is a game that can be played on the internet for hundreds of thousands of dollars everyday. It is also seen on tv being played for millions of dollars. This is the most bs story I have seen in a long time, and it doesn't make sense to me hows the police had time to watch this game for 10 months. Is Charleston not one of the top cities in the nation for crime. Hahaha what a joke.
Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
USCBUG...Because they violated the Law andthe police probably were fed up with all the calls from the neighbors in regards to parking and noise.When someone breaks the law the police are called and Do their job..Thats why.
Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Published Monday, April 07, 2008 12:31 PM
Updated Monday, April 07, 2008 1:29 PM
Solicitor accepts deputy's resignation following arrest
By David Berman
Summerville Journal Scene
First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe says he has accepted the resignation of Deputy Solicitor Don Sorenson, who was arrested Friday night and charged with unlawful games and betting for his alleged involvement in a Hanahan poker game.
"It was a difficult decision but, without a doubt, the right decision," Pascoe said Monday. "I accepted it not merely because Don was playing poker but because he exercised very poor judgement and tarnished the image of this office."
As deputy, Sorenson oversaw court in Dorchester County for the solicitor's office and supervised violent crime prosecution throughout the entire circuit.
Pascoe says he has no immediate plans to hire a new deputy.
Sorenson's caseload will be handled by Blair Jennings, Pascoe says. Jennings is a part-time DUI prosecutor in Pascoe's office and a Republican candidate for 9th Circuit Solicitor.
See Wednesday's Journal Scene for the full story on Sorenson's resignation.
Contact David Berman at 873-9424 ext. 214 or dberman@journalscene.com
Posted by USCBUG on April 7, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ChrisPia....I understand that...Im sure the neighbors called...10 months ago!! So if they had that big of a problem with it they agreed to wait 10 months to solve it. Im sorry I just cannot grasp it.
Posted by lillycollette on April 8, 2008 at 4:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is a special segment of posters foolishly emboldened by anonymity who wish to dominant this board with the untenable theory that the law is wrong and violators of the law are right.
They offer no proposals on how complained of laws can be changed. All they do is falsely put words in the mouth of people who respect the law and ladle on personal insults. I find this behavior just as impressive as the people engaging in it must—but for obviously different reasons.
I do not and cannot condone anyone flippantly hiding behind constitutional rights to conceal and excuse criminal acts. However, I can thank those who have so selflessly offered themselves up as psychological lab-rats.
Posted by bootlicked on April 11, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CPD captain gets arrested for gambling and gets suspended without pay. CFD captain gets arrested for exposing himself in company vehicle and gets suspended with pay. Do you see anything wrong with this?