Posted by moonpie on April 7, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We're all grown men. We can do what we want to do with our own money. A lot of us are professionals. A lot of us own our own businesses," he said.

THAT ARROGANCE STILL DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO BREAK THE LAW. EVEN IF IT S A 200 YR OLD LAW. EVEN IF YOU HAD A DEPUTY SOLICITOR, RETIRED COP, OR 12 OTHERS THAT HAD OUTSTANDING WARRANTS.
UNBELIEVABLE!

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on April 7, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gambling has been proven over and over again to be bad for society. Wherever gambling has been made legal, it ALWAYS is bad for society. Divorce, bankrupcies, drug use and prostitution always skyrockets when gambling is legalized. Bankruptcies go up an average of 500%. There are NO redeeming qualities for gambling. Besides, you just can't pick and choose which laws you want to obey. It's like a child molestor who decides to molest a child because he doesn't agree with child protection laws. These men (especially the judge) need to go to prison.

Posted by reality_woman on April 7, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay so a law is a law. So you peole never played the lottery? All that is, is legalized gambling. But that's okay because the state profits here. In Mr. Reyes case I don't know all the facts, but he was in his own home. South Carolina needs to get with the rest of the country, 200 year old law needs some updating, addendums. Let's not condem everyone who has tried their luck.

Posted by ColdBeer on April 7, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't care if they keep or get rid of this law. It sounds as if it at least needs to be updated.

I'm not condeming everyone who has tried their luck, but I do condem those that break the law. In this case, the law was knowingly broken.

Posted by Mayor on April 7, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mouth_ of_ the_ South, it is a little early to be smoking crack on Monday morning. Your diatribe could lead to complete exhaustion by noon. Your undocumented spout on gambling is off the cuff and laughable. MOST states have legal gambling and the lottery. They don't rank last in high school graduation rates. Gambling is available at your fingertips. I can play a hand of black jack right now for all the money I want to. I can bet on any sports event I want to. We need to change this law, and go from there.

Posted by skeeter on April 7, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with everything you said Mayor. I'd vote for you in a heartbeat!

Posted by tripsa on April 7, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LMAO Harpo!

The problem is that the government wants their cut - TAXes.

Posted by iculukin on April 7, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While the police were spending their time (10 months, I think) watching these men and their Texas Hold'em games, the criminals causing harm to our community were running rampant. Of course the low lives selling drugs and killing people don't have large screen tvs and laptops that our local police department needs to furnish their own game rooms. I guess they needed the tables and chairs also. I understand whats on the law books but sometimes I think they go a little overboard.

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SECTION 16-19-40. Unlawful games and betting.

If any person shall play at any tavern, inn, store for the retailing of spirituous liquors or in any house used as a place of gaming, barn, kitchen, stable or other outhouse, street, highway, open wood, race field or open place at (a) any game with cards or dice, (b) any gaming table, commonly called A, B, C, or E, O, or any gaming table known or distinguished by any other letters or by any figures, (c) any roley-poley table, (d) rouge et noir, (e) any faro bank (f) any other table or bank of the same or the like kind under any denomination whatsoever or (g) any machine or device licensed pursuant to Section 12-21-2720 and used for gambling purposes, except the games of billiards, bowls, backgammon, chess, draughts, or whist when there is no betting on any such game of billiards, bowls, backgammon, chess, draughts, or whist or shall bet on the sides or hands of such as do game, upon being convicted thereof, before any magistrate, shall be imprisoned for a period of not over thirty days or fined not over one hundred dollars, and every person so keeping such tavern, inn, retail store, public place, or house used as a place for gaming or such other house shall, upon being convicted thereof, upon indictment, be imprisoned for a period not exceeding twelve months and forfeit a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, for each and every offense.

Ed. Note: South Carolina House bill H3201 was introduced in January 2007, and is pending. The proposed bill would amend this provision to specifically provide "Except as specifically provided in Section 8, Article XVII of the Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, the provisions of [section 16-19-40] do not apply to a person who plays, at a residence, certain poker games including, but not limited to, games commonly referred to as five-card draw, Texas hold'em, and seven card stud and which are played for the sole purpose of recreational activity." The text of the pending bill is here.

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know if this law is 200 years old but Monopoly(70th Anniversary),Yahtzee(50th anniversary),Uno(50th anniversary),Boggle(25th anniversary) etc..were not around when this law was written.
This law is obviously outdated and needs to be revised..

Posted by ballachulish on April 7, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"We're all grown men, we can do what we want with our money, a lot of us are professionals"
I know a lot of things professional grown men do with their money, just ask Thomas Ravenel and Elliot Spitzer how that worked out for them. They knew it was illegal and they chose to do so anyway, so nail them.

Posted by carolinadude on April 7, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

reality woman: you're exactly correct; we have a state run numbers racket in sc which the voters approved in a referendum.

Posted by Early on April 7, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is strip poker really gambling?
Kinda nervous on this!

Posted by stono on April 7, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's OK to play 'legalized gambling' AKA "The SC Education Lottery" but having a poker game that isn't sanctioned by the state of SC is a 'no no'. A contradiction if I ever saw one. If the state doesn't get its cut, then it's illegal.....Out law gambling completely or make all gambling legal.....the state has already taking away video poker, what next...Yatzee?

Posted by JohnS on April 7, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The IRS Criminal Investigation Division should be looking into Mr. Reyes. If his is willing to break the law with high stakes gambling what else is he doing.

Posted by Edwin435 on April 7, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

let it be....there are enough places to get into a high stakes game if you wanted one...I like to play with a 20 dollar buy in. Once that is gone I leave...its that simple. No harm no foul. Please don't waste tax payers money trying to enforce that crappy law. Come on.... Like it has already been mentioned before, if the state got its share there would be no issue....

Posted by wpc3iop on April 7, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our law enforcement people should be spending time on stopping drugs, robberies, murders, etc....a ten month investigation into a poker game that was obviously not being hidden? What a waste...update the laws on poker!

Posted by theblueduece on April 7, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Harpo...

still waiting on your response from yesterday...

have you ever played the SC Education Lottery???

Posted by theblueduece on April 7, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ChrisPia...

please be advised that the bill, South Carolina House bill H3201, is no longer pending and was killed in a sub-comm a year ago.

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Raregar67..Of course There are more important things to be investigated.But,under that presumption than Police should only be investigating Murderers(or whatever crime someone thinks is worse or less expensive to investigate).The police were probably investigating numerous complaints of parked cars,noise etc that led to this investigation.They did their jobs under the law..
I wish they would change the law to allow Texas Hold'em and poker games.I would play. Hope that answered your question.

Posted by greener1 on April 7, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, gambling is legal everywhere in South Carolina except Hanahan and Mt. Pleasant! Come to Goose Creek if you want to gamble folks! All of the private bars in G.C. have poker machines people. Someone at Sled is being paid off and they have employed people that do play the machines themselves!!! I even went into a gas station near Sangaree/Summerville that has them still. I mean leave these people alone or bust everyone, not just Pappy's, or some people playing at someone's house.

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

theBluedance; I Know. I Put that in there to let people know that this should have been revised already by our legislators.. One way or the other

Posted by Zod on April 7, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see alot of focus on the age of the law cited as the reason for "updating the law". What exactly in discussion of Gambling needs to be revisited?

Mr. Reyes used "seen on TV" as an excuse for practicing the game. I have seen every crime imaginable on my TV. Does TV make the practice of crime acceptable?

I will answer the question posed here by some. I have lived here all my life and I have never bought a lottery ticket in the state of South Carolina. The occassion is rare that I have seen a person purchasing lottery tickets at the local gas station that appears to be well to do. Most of the people I see purchasing lottery tickets would be better off spending that 10 dollars on some clothes or deodorant.

Posted by Hey_U_Guys on April 7, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My husband and I play Strip Monopoly. You go to jail, you lose an article of clothing. Is that ok? We're not using money, just clothes. Gambling is gambling. Oh crap, I hope they don't bust in my house while we're playing one night. How embarassing!

Posted by ColdBeer on April 7, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the law ought to be revised to allow small stakes private gambling in your home if you choose to do so. A nickel, quarter, dime games amongst friends isn't going to hurt anything. The "dice and card games" portion obviously needs to be better defined. I do not, however, think that gambling as a business needs to be legalized. If the "house" is taking in part of the proceeds, it's no longer a private, fun game amongst friends. I love Vegas and play every time I go, but I don't want Vegas here in the Low Country.

Regardless of what happens to the law, these people knowingly broke it and the police were justified in arresting them. Yes there are more important criminals to go after, but you can't really take that approach. The guy that hits my car in a parking lot and then leaves without letting me know is most likely not a hardened criminal that is a danger to others but I damn sure want the police to find his butt!

This was not a little friendly poker game. It was organized gambling that is against the law. Yes, the lottery is also organized gambling, but it's legal. If you don't like the laws, get them changed. If you break them, expect to be busted.

Posted by crackerJ on April 7, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the p&c survey shows 84% in favor of legal gaming.
there is no way a jury will ever convict. I hope he does take it to trial and I hope I am called for jury duty.

just proves once again these agencies are over funded with nothing to do. Lets cut their budget in half so they will have to focus on real crime.

Posted by baltimoreraven on April 7, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

zod you think that you have all the answers. you can turn on the tv right now and catch a poker show or a poker commericial advertising to play poker. yes they show murder and other crimes on tv but this is real people getting glory and rich from playing poker. its not like murder is legal in half the states and illegal in the other states. how can one american play poker legally and one can not. if its illegal then stop showing poker and poker ads on my tv. say what you want but poker ads on tv work they have a huge affect on people to play poker its not rocket science

Posted by seriouslyb4real on April 7, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the law is the law folks!

Posted by Zod on April 7, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

raven,

I do not think I have all the answers. I read responses and I post my thoughts. It's known as an exchange of ideas. Maybe you know it as a discussion. If I'm not willing to make a statement, there is no sense in posting.

You do not have to go as far as murder for your example. I see prostitution and the abuse of drugs and alcohol on my TV. Using your logic, those in Europe have freedoms that I should have to participate in these activities. Since both activities are regularly on the TV, it should not be illegal. While we are working on freedoms and law, let's make it legal for me to yell "fire" in a crowded mall.

In the last portion of your statement you made a comment that would pertain to the FCC. There are those that would restrict you from seeing poker on your TV just as you requested. I am not one of those people. I like the opportunity to see what is going on in other parts of the world. I like the exchange of ideas that the TV will promote (such as this discussion). This does not mean that I wish to see a riverboat for gambling parked on the Cooper though. Just as I do not like to see hookers patrolling the streets of North Charleston.

Posted by crankyyankee on April 7, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I find this whole gambling issue dumbfounding when you step back and consider the whole picture. The local law enforcement agencies seem to feel complelled to direct their limited resources on protecting the public from the evil gamblers. The show of force displayed at the raid on Pappy's and this poker event show just how much time, energy and money our local blue suits have fritter away on crimes that are no threat to the general public. If they really wanted to enforce and protect why don't they spend 10 months investigating the prominence of illegal immigrants on Remount Road or the countless murders and crimes that surround illegal immigration? I guess I am from another generation that see's things differently but looking at the energy law enforcement spends on such triviallities and knowing what negative effects illegal immigration has on or Country I find it mind boggling where we place our priorities. Bless your hearts!

Posted by Larz13 on April 7, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder how many "March Madness" pools have been busted up these past three weeks?

If I read the law that ChrisPia so kindly posted, does this mean that we can play backgammon for money?

Anyone know what a faro bank is?

Posted by Zod on April 7, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crime is crime cranky.

How much effort do you think these arrests took? With the numbers in attendance at the latest meeting of gamblers, I would assume that over 50 people knew about the event. It only took one person to provide information to authorities. That same individual could provide the times, dates, and places. The only effort from the authorities would be surveillance. My question to you would be "How many?" How many participants would it take before we quantified this as a worthy investigation?

We celebrated a North Charleston drug bust not too long ago. They arrested 5 crackheads in the worst neighborhood in North Charleston. What made those arrests so much more worthy than those mentioned here? Is the issue monetary? Should we not prosecute criminal activities happening in a well-to-do neighborhood? You may not realize that this gambling activity was happening in a neighborhood. There were children in the house. There were many children in close proximity to the house. Judging from the number on people at the house, I would assume that there were at least 20 cars parked in that neighborhood.

Let's say one of those men didn't like his losses on that evening. Let's say he had a few drinks. Let's say he had a gun in his glove compartment. Let's say law enforcement PREVENTED any occurence that would happen after these circumstances. What would you think of the law agencies efforts then? Worthy? I think at least one of Mr. Reyes neighbors may think so......

Posted by ptmama73 on April 7, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, the law is the law and they broke it...So, give each of these individuals a fine and let it go before Hanahan manages to humilate itself further by pursuing such "hardened" criminals while drug dealers and prostitutes brazenly roam their streets - anyone that drives the Remount Road area with any frequency knows exactly what I am talking about.

As for the morality of gambling - to each his/her own. I am not perfect and cannot make judgement on others.

Posted by baltimoreraven on April 7, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

zod

i missed the last prostitution lady advertising on tv or the last drug dealer promoting where to come buy drugs such as poker sites saying come play here. i dont care if you want to yell fire in a crowded mall just dont expect help from me if you get jumped for it. it shouldnt take 10 months to bust a poker game all it takes is one night. especially if they had one person on the inside which is my understanding what happend.

in a later comment you say what if one guy didnt like that he lost and had a gun in his glove department. what if is a big statement. what if a guy got a speeding ticket and had a gun in his glove department or what if the sky fell and a guy had a gun in his glove department. however i do think this activity was illegal because of the rake that being taken but i do have some consideration for this guy who said he was just practicing what he sees on tv. i can relate to him. poker is on 24-7. the winners get mountains of money, fame and glory. i missed the last time a prostitute was on tv in a live tournament getting paid for outlasting the other hos/ i do however respect that you have an opions and shouldnt have jumped down your back

Posted by grannyofsix on April 7, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not too many years ago my sister inlaws and I played nickle dime poker every friday night Just a couple old bitties killing time. Thank goodness we werent raided, but we were smart we changed the place of the games every friday night. Just wanted to send some humor out, but a true story.
guess I will have to tell my grands and great grands I am a crimminal.

Posted by yeayea on April 7, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

we had poker games back in high school that would draw like 30 boys, imagine if the police kicked down our door and got us for our loot(which probably was like 300 bones anyway).

Posted by scrisn on April 7, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow I have played there in the past, $20, 50, $100 buy in's. come on this is crap. Noone ever went broke in a friendly card game and I do not remember the last time I read thata business owner was busted breaking into and stealing stuff from a house. Or the one where he held up a store for $50 bucks to buy crack.

Hey how about the law that says I can on Sundays before noon, beat my wife on the court house steps with a switch no bigger than my thumb? Sweet I have a good size thumb and would love to say to you all to come and watch, but I feel I would be in jail in 10 seconds.

Wait sex in any other postion other than mercenary is against the law. Nice. everyone here goes to jail. Let's focus on real crimes not 200 year old laws that are foolish.

I bet $20 bucks I can find other foolish laws still on the books too.

Dam I broke the law Betting

Posted by outrage on April 7, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll bet you 10 to 1, I can get you to gamble by the end of the day! LOL

Posted by Hey_U_Guys on April 7, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's a MERCENARY POSITION?????? WOW!!!!

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on April 7, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point is, gambling is inherently evil, and anybody who is involved is a fool.
All society suffers when you allow gambling. Every state that has legalized it has suffered massive increases in bankrupcy, as well as a long laundry list of other problems that go hand in hand with gambling.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on April 7, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The attitude of people who support gambling is proof that people are becoming more and more unethical and corrupt.

Posted by scrisn on April 7, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have read this several times. No where does is say ante fee, or house "rakes, takes.. etc" I can assume some cash was there but a Business owner who has cash in his house cannot be told it is all gambling monies.

My grandmother had thousands in her house, wonder if she was selling bake goods?

Ohh wait it was those weekly bridge games she held.

I'll bet receipts can be presented for that cash for legimate reasons. Then what legs does law enforcement have? BTW a officer would have had to partake in the crime to get a good conviction. IE buying drugs arrest the dealer, sell them arrest the buyers. If all they had was a source it maybe because he had a grudge against someone.

What ever happened to those Mount Pleasant folks? It made national news and I have yet to hear a completed out come.

Wait what about church bingo? I can win money and prizes there lets raid those.

Posted by ColdBeer on April 7, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Calling people that gamble "fools" is WAY out of line. I spend hundreds of dollars every year, fishing. I fish for entertainment and the money spent is well spent, in my opinion. When it comes to legal forms of entertainment, the only opinion that matters when it comes to how much money I spend is my own.

When I go to Vegas, I take a predetermined amount of money out of the bank to gamble with. I expect to lose than money. If and when I lose that money, I stop. I look at the loss as entertainment, which it is (great entertainment if I do say so myself). Again, gambling is legal in Vegas and spending my own money for my own entertainment in a legal way is not something that you can call foolish.

Calling all gamblers fools would be like calling all bird watchers fools. They spend money to watch birds just as most gamblers spend money to play games.

Posted by scrisn on April 7, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Mouth

How Totally stupid, dumb, blind, pointless, and down right wrong are your views.

When they took the "poker" machines out of SC years ago Thousands of poeple lost jobs and SBO lost their incomes and ways of life.

Crime went up not down.

How many people travel to Cherokee to play from the low country?

Many that I know. Think of all those tourist dollars leaving our economy.

What this article is about is small stakes poker playing at a home. Not Casino themed ressorts that can draw crime but also provide thousands of jobs. Had you not been a convicted felon you too could get a job there. And support your flawed ways.

I'll spend my hard earned Federal and state taxed money any way I please. And if it means playing a game of Poker then so be it. Come arrest me SC's finest

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Live 5 news reported there were 191 outstanding arrest warrants for this case.....A Game of friends..LOL

Posted by grannyofsix on April 7, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

think i will chage my name to evilgrannyofsix missionary or mercenary oh well i broke the law either way again i am so EVIL

Posted by scrisn on April 7, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL at my self

missionary or mercenary you got the point.. .maybe next time I proof read..

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South (anonymous) on April 7, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point is, gambling is inherently evil, and anybody who is involved is a fool.
All society suffers when you allow gambling. Every state that has legalized it has suffered massive increases in bankrupcy, as well as a long laundry list of other problems that go hand in hand with gambling
****Mouth Sounds Like You Follow Bill Gothard and Ray Nash?***Citizens are fools*** Tell them what you think of women being submissive to their man,Cabbage patch dolls,Harry potter,Authority without question etc**

Posted by theronce on April 7, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would this "crime" have been legal in Nevada?

Posted by grannyofsix on April 7, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scrisen i was just joking about the spelling i should talk the worlds worst speller but i got your meaning and that is why i am so E V I L

Posted by SpongeMunkie on April 7, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm so sick of hearing that "but... they broke the law!!"
Did anyone read the comment yesterday on the original article that brought up our states law against fornication? I'd be willing to bet (but, hey, that's illegal, too, right?) that the majority of us have broken that law more than once in our lives. So, therefore, since we "Broke The Law!!", we should have been punished for it. Or is it just because gambling is "immoral" and the state loses money if they don't have a hand in it? Geeez.... premarital sex is "immoral", but I guess the state hasn't figured out a way to make a profit on prosecuting that yet. Why do you think that we have the lottery and the scratch cards? Its ok for someone to spend their money gambling with the state.
*I do not play the lottery, lotto, or even poker. Not against it, I just like to keep my money!*

Posted by ColdBeer on April 7, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't "fornicate" or "defecate". I have sex and I poop :)

Posted by TP on April 7, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Attention all ye fornicators and defecators and perpetrators of all things holy! May hellfire rain down upon your loins! I have seen the Lord, and the Lord told me to go All-In with Ace-King suited!

(CLICK HERE)

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/feb/...

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Attorney Speaks Out Against Clients' Gambling Charges
Sheldon Dutes, Live 5 News
Although his clients admit they were wrong for participating in an illegal gambling ring, attorney Mark Peper isn't going down without a fight.

"We're not looking to fight this in the court room, per say - we're looking to fight this on the Statehouse grounds in Columbia down the road,” Peper said.

"They knew it was illegal and we're not by any means going to challenge the validity of the law, it is what it is,” Peper said.

As a result, his clients will have to spend $560 in fines and appear in court for a misdemeanor offense that they're willing to accept. However, they're still frustrated.

**So Why Blame The Police for doing there job?

Posted by jarvi49 on April 7, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Isn't life insurance kinda like gambling. They are betting you will live and you are betting you wont. Either way..You lose.....

Posted by theronce on April 7, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just because a law is on the books in no way validates the morality of the law or dictates my moral obligation to follow it. However, actions have consequences that one needs to keep in mind. The consequence may or may not be worth the action.

Posted by USCBUG on April 7, 2008 at 3:35 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 theronce on April 7, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How much more of what we do within the walls of our own house or our neighbors' houses do you want the government to regulate or ban or require? I'm pretty sure all of the essential things and too many of inconsequentianl things are already on the list. It's time to tell the government to back off.

Posted by Kerry on April 7, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow - this list of names almost looks like the credits following a martial arts movie...

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The bottom line is the law was on the books for 200 years.It is the law.I think it is a stupid law also...knowing it was the law and violating it comes with consequences..SC residents have had 200 years to change this law but haven't.You don't like the law vote the legislators out of office or get them to change the law.Don't whine about it after you get caught.....The police did their job .
191 Outstanding arrest Warrants reported by Channel 5 news at Noon in regards to this friendly game.

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 4:45 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 TP on April 7, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kerry- I have the inside track on this story, and what didn't get out in the mainstream media is that 4 or 5 more perps ran out the back door of the place and are still on the run. Cops are still looking for:

-Binh Hung Lo
-Sum Ting Wong
-Annie Wan
-Yu Stin Ki Pu
-Fa Kin Su Pah

Posted by mypowife on April 7, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are people all over this wonderful free Country of ours having friendly poker games on Friday or Saturday nights just for the social aspect. I feel that the police were looking for something more than gambling because of the status of the people involved. The swat team that showed up was a narcotics squad with full flack gear and drug dogs. I know this because I was there and witnessed the assault on Mr. Reyes' home. I think they were hoping to find drugs and confiscate the assets of the individuals involved, however, none were found. I overheard them discussing how expensive it was to live in this area and that the owners must somehow be subsidizing their income. Its a sad state when law enforcement has to seize assets to help fund their departments. I believe it was a bust for profit gone awry.

Posted by Thomas1776 on April 7, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You want change? Then get rid of these fools we have in government. But many of you will forget come time for elections. Many of you will be suckered by their smiles and words while forgetting their past stupid actions that made you say the things you do not like about what they forced upon you and everyone else.

Cops and lawyers breaking the law? They are all outstanding citizens of the community - till someone decides to investigate and bring them to justice. Open a can of worms, investigate some of these bodies of government and clean them out.

SC is one messed up state. We have old farm boys from the back woods with the same mentality they had growing up. Now they might have got them a good old education. However, common sense is something they seriously lack and will never learn. Why? Because of the way they were brought up; Back Woods.

Posted by Thomas1776 on April 7, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mypowife,

Some jealous neighbor or someone with a beef with one of the players turned them in.

Posted by ChrisPia on April 7, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TP.. I almost fell off my chair LOL Thanks for the laugh!

Posted by magoo on April 7, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This guy taking another Big Gamble fighting this one HUH?

Posted by Larz13 on April 7, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TP--

That is about all of the Asian people in the lowcountry.

Posted by RTC on April 7, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TP, you left out Woo Flung Dung and Won Hung Lo.

Posted by AMAZING on April 7, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Port of Charleston, Suspects Hide $1.4M Worth of Pot in Pottery - 2,075 pounds of marijuana

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?stor...

Posted by BKLYNIRISH on April 7, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hanahan?

Perhaps a joint HPD/ICE operation in that area would have been more beneficial.

Posted by AMAZING on April 7, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for every one container detected, nine slip through...

The history of investigations conducted by the Charleston RO reveals that a significant portion of the cocaine and marijuana distributed by coastal South Carolina distribution organizations originated from Charleston port smuggling activities. It is a well-known fact that traffickers utilize forty-foot and twenty-foot containers to transport contraband secreted inside these containers with legitimate commercial products.

It is a conservative estimate that for every container loaded with illegal drugs discovered at the Charleston port, at least nine other containers with illegal drugs have slipped through without detection.

The port of Charleston is the second largest containerized seaport on the eastern seaboard of the United States and handles over 1.5 million containers of the over 11 million containers that enter or pass through U.S. ports per year.

Despite this intimidating volume of containers, the USCS has only 10 inspectors to service the inspection requirements in three Charleston port facilities and they must rely on Confidential Source information and container profiling to maximize their chances of success.

These 10 Customs Inspectors are only able to actually inspect less than 1 % of the containers destined to or passing through Charleston.

Recent investigations have shown that there are numerous "cells" of traffickers working at the port with or as longshoremen to bring cocaine, marijuana, and heroin into the United States from overseas (Panama, Colombia, etc.).

FROM DEA:
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/states/sou...

Posted by Hutch on April 7, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes I think the two Hundred year old law needs
revising.

Posted by BillMan on April 7, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This sting is more show than substance, how about using these police resources against real crimes, we can do better than this!

Posted by BillMan on April 7, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What do these guys get anyway if convicted like 5 days in jail and a $200 fine?

Posted by noone on April 7, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the police would consider enforcing the NO-fornicating law (i.e., all the shack-up relationships) do you realize how much money we would save not having to prosecute all the CDV cases amongst these folks? Now if you want to really make a difference, law enforcement, GO THERE!

Posted by cary96 on April 7, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what next???pokerheads robbing convenience stores and shooting each other in the street? who got hurt? or is it that the state couldn't tax the winnings?

Posted by BillMan on April 7, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ever notice how BS crimes like this, Ravenel, Vick etc. get page after page of news and the armed robbery or murder gets a little blip here or there, someone needs to fix the priorities of our society and demand the police use their limited resources targeting serious crimes not headlines!

Posted by doubledown on April 7, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It appears Hanahan's Finest is going to pursue the "crimes" that they choose. I have been in bars with some of Hanahan's Finest and they could hardly stand up, yet they drove home. Does anybody remember a few years ago, when the bar "Hanahans" was busted for gambling on pool. Everybody puts in $5 and a plays in a tournament. "Winner" buys all those participating a drink. Yet Hanahan's Finest confiscated all the pool sticks, the balls, chalk, everything that could be used as "evidence", and arrested the participants. This is not a case of people "breaking the law". It was just a poker game. All you lose is your "buy-in" of $20, $100, or $300 or whatever. Those of you who equate this with those that gamble and go bankrupt are being very stupid. There are just as many alcoholics that go bankrupt due to overconsumption. So we should "ban alcohol"? Or those who abuse their credit cards. Should we blame MasterCard or Visa? But a poker game? Just like a "pool game for $5", just like those video games at Pappy's, it shows you the intelligence of our police department. "Why go after the real criminals that might shoot back at me when I can get these evil-doer gamblers and not have to worry about doing real police work."

Posted by BillMan on April 7, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Double,
You are on the right track, this is window dressing at it's finest, we should all go by the Hanahan PD and pat them on the back for breaking up this huge criminal enterprise, now if only someone could get rid of those drug dealers I pass by on my way home after work every day on the street corner... oh wait that is the next "sting" to have 12 stories written about in the P&C... right.........

Posted by iceman1978 on April 7, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know it seems as though every day now when you read the paper or watch the local news you hear about a shooting, armed robbery, drug deal, rape, murder, or a combination of these events.

But don't we all feel so much safer now that a group of middle aged men are safely behind bars for playing a game of poker and betting money (their own I might add) on it?

Excellent post doubledown.

Posted by BillMan on April 7, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ice,
One good thing to come out of this is an officer and a Charleston deputy solicitor were 2 of those arrested along with the rest, this is the real story here, a continuation of the Highway Patrol scandal, those enforceing the law break them as much as those they arrest! What an outrage!

Posted by baltimoreraven on April 8, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WSOP poker is on tv right now. why show illegal activities on our tvs if it gets us criminally charged for what they are doing legally in our same country

Posted by chucktonian on April 8, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what a complete waste of police resources. whoever ordered the investigation in the first place should be fired.

of course, the government shuts down card games because they have a monopoly on legalized gambling in South Carolina. perhaps if the guy running this game was kicking something up to Columbia, the stormtroopers would have stayed away.

this is Stratford II...bored cops busting silly "crimes." how about busting some people for littering and writing some of those $1,000 tickets? the roads and highways are filthy

Posted by BillMan on April 8, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't figure out why they don't prosecute that law on fornification, that would get a good 40% of us arrested, oh wait they just enforce "certain laws" on the books, can't have too many people in jail, then who would pay their saleries!

Posted by FreeThinker on April 8, 2008 at 2:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Old laws are scattered throughout the SC Constitution...there are laws about fornication, spitting in the street and gambling.

The gambling laws says the punishment is not more than 30 days in jail and a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR FINE. So how will these men be charged?

We used to go to someones home every Fri. or saturday...We'd have potluck or grill out then we'd all play cards........Did it for years.
The 'society women' SOB were always known for their card afternoons they had cocktails, played cards and gossiped. I know just about the largest home on the battery had the nicest hostess. I attended once with a friend. There was about 8 tables set up to play cards...It was a great afternoon...lunch, tea, many, many drinks...Talking of the likes I'd never heard about everyone in Charleston.
According to history accounts this has always been true about the well heeled crowd SOB. (Heard they was a lot of couples into swinging too!)
Bet one of the Battery homes haven't been raided.

I think the law should be ammended to allow poker or any kind o cards to be played in your home.

Restaurants run tip boards during March Maddness. You can win a big pot if you make good picks.

Playing cards at home should not rise to the level of a crime.

Posted by gretschman on April 8, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's illegal to drink a beer in your front yard also. I think they need to start enforcing that law too! I break it every day! I need to be incarcerated! Someone please help me!

Posted by lizzyjames on April 9, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ones religious beliefs should not come into play in your debate of this outdated law, focus on the law not religion (that pesky seperation of church and state thing). If you allow that to happen, you are judging others based on your religious beliefs and that is a sin. Are you better than your fellow man? I think not, just equal.

If someone wants to gamble in the privacy of their own home, that is their business, not ours. The fact that they earn more money and therefore have more disposable income is also their business not ours. Senator McConnell is currently working on legislation to repeal this outdated law & I am sure he will be successful as we currently have state sponsored gambling in South Carolina.

What is unforgivable is the behavior of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. They supposedly have been “undercover” for 10 months. Poor, sloppy, really bad undercover work if they did not know that there were no weapons or drugs in these homes. Why would they need to enter the home like this was some sort of terrorist network? Why was a mother not permitted to care for her 13 week old infant? Why are these people being booked by what look like terrorists employed by the sheriff’s department? And is this all Charleston County has to be concerned about? The fine is $100 for these defendants. There are no drug dealers in Charleston County? No meth labs? No murders? No rapes? No burglaries? Is this spending the taxpayer’s money “protecting and serving” or do you just know that this group has the finances to pay the fines, thus making this money making “undercover operation”? Al Cannon can say all he wants about upholding the law, but you owe taxpayers an explanation as to how you spend their money. I just hope that they all demand a jury trial because the cost to Charleston County will be astronomical and you will not recoup that loss with the maximum fine allowed by law. The law reads:

SECTION 16-19-40. Unlawful games and betting. [SC ST SEC 16-19-40]

…..upon being convicted thereof, before any magistrate, shall be imprisoned for a period of not over thirty days or fined not over one hundred dollars, ……….

Huge waste of taxpayer money for that little maximum fine.