More poker players in court
Some plead guilty to misdemeanor
About two dozen poker players accused of illegal gambling appeared in Hanahan Municipal Court on Wednesday morning, and about half pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, though the fate of thousands of dollars in seized assets is likely to remain in the air for some time.
For those who pleaded guilty, Judge Victor Revelise imposed a $257 fine for the charge of unlawful games and betting. Others received a continuance that postpones their court dates for another two weeks. Others await jury trials.
"For the people who pleaded guilty today or entered into the pre-trial- intervention program, the criminal matter is over," said defense attorney Mark Peper, who is representing several players.
Among his clients was Martin Orlando Reyes, whose Hanahan home was raided by sheriff's deputies April 4. Reyes was one of 19 people to plead guilty to misdemeanors in Charleston County magistrate court on Monday.
A number of others, including former 1st Circuit Deputy Solicitor Don Sorenson and Charleston police Cpl. Michael McElveen, are still awaiting their day in court. Of the 65 suspects identified in the case, deputies have arrested all but 11, Sheriff's Maj. John Clark said.
Charleston County deputies and Hanahan police carried out the raid jointly. Clark said about $62,000 was seized that night.
The money will be turned over to Charleston County's general fund, though the original owners will have the right to petition for it in civil court.
Peper said he planned to try to get back his clients' confiscated property because he viewed the seizure as a violation of their Fifth Amendment rights.
Mark Silverstein, who pleaded guilty Wednesday, said officers took about $1,500 from his pocket, his driver's license and some cell phones. He said most of the seized property had nothing to do with card games.
"This is another police-county fundraiser," he said.
He doesn't expect to get it back and thought it would be a hassle to fight in court.
"It's too much of a pain," he said.
Case status
The following people pleaded guilty in Hanahan municipal court Wednesday to unlawful gaming charges in connection with an April 4 raid at a home on Tanner Hall Boulevard:
--Hussein Abukhdeia, 44
--Angelo Convertino, 80
--Jordan Eads, 25
--Charles Hendricks, 77
--Daniel Llacera, 41
--Jeffrey Wendleberger, 37
--Bart Joseph Wolfe, 39
--Martin Orlando Reyes, 41
--Mark Silverstein, 32
--Robert Wallens, 62
The following people received continuances and are scheduled to appear in court on April 30:
--Jose Benitez, 49
--Thanh Do, 51
--Quang Ho, 32
--Hosain Abou, 43
--Adam King, 33
--Errol Samuel, 32
--David Michael Scaffe, 37
--Qui Ho, 31
The following people have requested a jury trial:
--Jerry Gambrell, 58
--Tae Ciozio, 47
--Harold Hutzler, 44
--Charles Mcintosh, 37
--Edward Scopelitis, 35
--Donald Sorenson, 38
--Thomas Vieth, 52
Diverted to a pre-trial intervention program:
--Joe Simmons, 53
Reach Noah Haglund at 937-5550 or nhaglund@postand courier.com
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Comments
This article has 16 comment(s)
Posted by lillycollette on April 17, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This wasn’t a taking of property under eminent domain.
This was a consequential loss in a criminal violation.
I would be very interested to see how that 5th Amendment argument holds up at trial.
Posted by lillycollette on April 17, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not only may this story be a dead horse
-- but --
I could be dead wrong in my thinking about the 5th Amedment. At least it would be entertaining to some if I am. (LOL)
Posted by Hey_U_Guys on April 17, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I really cannot believe they are STILL writing about this. Go out and find some REAL news.
Posted by theronce on April 17, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW! When did this happen?
Posted by ChrisPia on April 17, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Auditor’s office might get closer look
By David Berman
Summerville Journal Scene
The results of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office audit are expected soon, possibly this week, but it appears county officials are already looking toward another audit — of a different department.
Last week, county auditor Brenda Nix requested, in writing, an audit of her office, because she has some concerns “about the way things are being handled there,” County Councilman Chris Murphy said Monday.
According to County Council Chairman Larry Hargett, a vote to approve funding the audit with county contingency funds could take place as soon as next Monday, during Council’s regular meeting.
“I believe we have enough votes to make it happen,” Hargett said.
As the holder of a constitutional office, Nix has discretion over hiring, firing and disciplinary actions. But “when it comes to taxpayer money, that falls right to County Council,” Hargett said.
Nix requested the audit around the same time news broke that one of her employees, Teresa Smoak Messex, had been suspended for two weeks without pay.
Smoak Messex, a Republican candidate for auditor, said the suspension was for “not following procedure” during a mobile home sale. She said Nix doesn’t support her bid to become auditor and has told her so.
Nix, who is not running for the office, has said she will not entertain Smoak Messex’s comments and that she stands behind the decision to suspend her.
The reasons for the audit request have not been made public. No one has identified Smoak Messex’s suspension as a cause. Nix couldn’t be reached for comment regarding the audit.
The audit would likely delve into records dating back several years, Hargett said.
That would predate Nix’s tenure as auditor. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Mark Sanford last October when former auditor Johnette Connelley left to become finance director for the Berkeley County Water and Sanitation Authority.
It’s typical for a new office holder to authorize an audit upon assuming control of an office, Murphy said.
Until last week, Nix had not asked for an audit, Murphy said.
“Timing-wise, it’s right in the middle of a political race,” Murphy said, referring to the upcoming Republican primary in which Smoak Messex will face off against Summerville real estate agent J.J. Messervy.
“I think the timing’s not good, but the fact of the matter is — she’s (Nix) not running for office, she’s asked for it (the audit) and I think we should back her on it,” he said.
Contact David Berman at 873-9424 ext. 214 or dberman@journalscene.com
Here's Some real News....Interesting?
Posted by ChrisPia on April 17, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Resigning Dorchester official wants her deputy to fill post
By Dave Munday
The Post and Courier
Friday, September 21, 2007
ST. GEORGE — Dorchester County Republicans are challenging the resigning auditor's recommendation for her replacement.
Auditor Johnette Connelley, a Republican, announced her resignation this week. Her resignation takes effect Oct. 5. Her elected term ends June 30, 2009.
Connelley is asking Gov. Mark Sanford to appoint Deputy Auditor Brenda Nix to fill the remainder of her term. Nix has been in the auditor's office for 30 years and will keep things running smoothly until the next election, Connelley said.
But Dorchester County Republican Party Chairman Arthur Bryngelson is asking Sanford to appoint somebody more loyal to the party. Nix supported state Rep. Patsy Knight, a Democrat, in her election over former Rep. George Bailey, a Republican, Bryngelson said Thursday.
"If she (Nix) acts like a Democrat, she's a Democrat," he said.
Nix declined to specify her party affiliation.
"I'm very humbled by the request to ask Governor Sanford to appoint me as auditor," she said. "I have served in the Dorchester County auditor's office for 30 years with love, loyalty and professionalism. At this time I'm not making any reply to Mr. Bryngelson's comments."
Connelley has been in office since 1997 and says politics shouldn't matter in the auditor's office.
The auditor runs a complicated set of numbers to set the tax rates to meet the county budget.
"I had to put my priorities in order" when recommending a temporary replacement, Connelley said. "What was more important, the party or what it was going to take to keep the office running?"
Bryngelson said the governor can find a qualified candidate who is also a Republican, because politics do matter.
"You want to make sure you have somebody with the right mind-set," he said. "Less taxes and smaller government are Republican bulwarks. I would say that your mind-set is always important. It seems to me that Democrats believe in more taxes and more spending as the answer to our political and moral problems."
Reach Dave Munday at 745-5862 or dmunday@post andcourier.com.
Copyright © 1997 - 2007 the Evening Post Publishing Co
Posted by ChrisPia on April 17, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sheriff Nash noted that he was "...disappointed that certain members of the County Commissioners were issue calls for an audit when the dollars spent on the audit could be utilized to increase services for the Citizens of Dorchester County."
"I am surprised that I have not been contacted by Commissioner Murphy, or Chairman Hargett to discuss the proposed audit," Sheriff Nash said. "My responsibility is to the citizens of Dorchester County, and I welcome any opportunity to demonstrate our good stewardship of taxpayer funds."
Re-Elect Ray Nash 2008 website **note- They have taken off the statement on Ray never accepting police dynamics money**
Posted by Weeeee on April 17, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm calling it. Slow news day.
Posted by Girleygirl on April 17, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is time to put the story to bed...but as soon as this goes away there is going to be a new set of folks arrested under this same law.......so if the PC has to print this story again I hope the title says "Stupid is as stupid does. New Dumb ass people caught up in a gambling ring after we printed this type of story twice before within a year."
Posted by Larz13 on April 17, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If that were to happen, you would think that guy who was busted and in Mt. P will be there.
Posted by robenter on April 17, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of people gamble so they are curious as to what happens here. If you don't care about the story, move on to the next headline. Complainers are so annoying. (Yes, I realize I am complaining about complainers)
Posted by theronce on April 17, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm still worried today about the salty air.
Posted by abitskeptical on April 17, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It sure would be a comfort to know, before I get dressed & go outside, what the atmospheric salt index is.
Posted by Girleygirl on April 17, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's in the red Abitskeptical so be careful....no wait that's the terror alert
Posted by JohnS on April 17, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to see some new Palmetto trees put up along Murray with the poker bust money.
Posted by lillycollette on April 17, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope this one comes up for comments:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/S...
Apr 17, 4:46 PM EDT
SC bill would let jilted spouses sue interloper
By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Men and women who seduce married people could be sued by jilted spouses under a proposal that won initial approval from South Carolina lawmakers Thursday.
"You know, we protect our automobiles. We protect our homes. There's laws to protect everything and we just need laws to protect the family," said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Jake Knotts. "Enough homes are broken up without interference from outside the family." ...