Some poker players nabbed in sting are repeat offenders

Several people snared in a weekend raid at a Hanahan poker game have been down this road before, having been charged with gambling violations in a similar investigation in Mount Pleasant two years ago, authorities said Tuesday.

Investigators have obtained 191 warrants to charge 65 people in connection with the 10-month investigation into a gambling operation run from a Hanahan home and three other properties. Among the group are several people who were also charged during a 2006 raid on a Mount Pleasant home that netted 22 arrests, Charleston County Sheriff's Maj. John Clark said.

Bob Chimento, who is still fighting charges against him in the 2006 case, said he has heard rumors that deputies have an outstanding warrant for his arrest in the probe as well. He said he is still trying to confirm those rumors.

Either way, Chimento said, he plans to press on with his fight to convince lawmakers to change a 200-year-old state law that bans card and dice games.

No new arrests are expected before Wednesday, when another group of players is scheduled to surrender to officers.