Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Gary Watts, the former Richland County Coroner, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and SLED following a raid that led to his arrest for illegal poker games, which were later deemed legal. The incident in April 2024 raised questions about police conduct and gambling laws in South Carolina, prompting Watts to allege false arrest and malicious prosecution. The charges against him were dismissed, highlighting a potential overreach by law enforcement. Watts claims significant professional and emotional repercussions from the incident.
Irmo, South Carolina — Former Richland County Coroner Gary Watts has initiated legal action against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) following a raid in April 2024 that resulted in his arrest for allegedly participating in illegal poker games. The lawsuit comes after the charges against Watts were dismissed by a state judge, leading him to assert that the police acted without probable cause.
The raid in question saw law enforcement authorities use an undercover informant who recorded participants at a poker game taking place in a rented office suite. Watts contends that this gathering, characterized as a social and competitive activity among friends, is not unlawful under South Carolina law. The state law outlines specific locations where poker is illicit, including taverns, streets, and open woods, but does not classify rented office spaces as illegal for such activities.
Watts has described the police’s response during the raid as excessive; reports indicate that officers in tactical gear and armed with assault rifles forcibly entered the office by breaking a glass door. He criticized the police tactics as overly aggressive, likening the team to elite special forces units, and branded their approach as unnecessary in the context of their operation.
In his lawsuit, Watts alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing, asserting that the law enforcement agencies had no reasonable basis to believe he had committed any crime. The original charge of illegal gambling against him was dismissed in March 2025 when State Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee ruled that playing poker in an office space is legal under South Carolina law, prompting the dismissal of charges against Watts and ten others arrested during the raid.
Watts contends he has faced significant emotional and professional fallout due to the raid and subsequent arrest. He has reported embarrassment, loss of job opportunities, and incurred legal fees as a result. Before the incident, he served as the marketing director for the South Carolina Coroners Association and was also an auditor for the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, roles he ultimately lost following the arrest.
Watts has frequently engaged in friendly poker games with a group of professional associates and asserts that this hobby provides mental stimulation. His legal representatives believe that the interpretation of the gambling law by law enforcement was incorrect, suggesting an overreach of authority during the raid.
The Irmo Police Department and SLED have stated they will respect the judicial process as the lawsuit moves forward. Both entities pledged commitment to transparency and accountability in their operations. Despite the ongoing litigation, officials from both law enforcement agencies have refrained from commenting on the details of the case.
Background
The legal saga began when a police informant reported on poker gatherings that were not held in the locations explicitly forbidden by state law. This incident highlights the complexities surrounding gambling regulations in South Carolina and raises questions about law enforcement protocols in such operations. With growing public interest in gambling policies, especially in the context of social gaming, this lawsuit could have implications for how similar situations are handled in the future.
Legal Implications
The outcome of Watts’ lawsuit may set important precedents surrounding the legality of poker games held in similar environments and the extent of law enforcement’s authority in investigating such activities.
Conclusion
The ongoing case stands as a critical point of discussion regarding the interpretations of gambling laws in the state and the operational conduct of local law enforcement agencies.
FAQ Section
What led to Gary Watts’ lawsuit against law enforcement?
Gary Watts is suing the Irmo Police Department and SLED after a raid in April 2024 on a poker game he was attending led to his arrest for illegal gambling, which has since been ruled legal in South Carolina.
What were the circumstances surrounding the raid?
The police used an undercover informant to record the poker game, which took place in a rented office suite. Officers executed a tactical raid, leading to arrests based on the belief that the game was illegal.
What are the main allegations made by Watts in his lawsuit?
Watts claims false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing, arguing that law enforcement lacked probable cause for the arrests as the poker game was held in a legal location.
What impact has the incident had on Watts personally and professionally?
Watts has reported embarrassment, lost job opportunities, and incurred legal fees due to the fallout from the raid and subsequent arrest, including losing two professional positions he held.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is ongoing, and both law enforcement agencies have stated they will allow the judicial process to run its course without further comment.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | April 2024 |
| Person Involved | Gary Watts, former Richland County Coroner |
| Charges | Illegal gambling (dismissed) |
| Law Enforcement Agencies | Irmo Police Department, SLED |
| Legal Status | Lawsuit filed; charges dismissed |
| Current Employment | Former marketing director for the S.C. Coroners Association; lost positions following incident |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gary Watts Challenges Arrest Over Private Poker Game
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Gambling in the United States
- The State
- Google Search: Gary Watts lawsuit
- Post and Courier
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