DARLINGTON — Two Darlington County men face gambling charges after their arrests during a joint investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.

SLED agents charged Thomas Bernard Langston, 68, of Lamar with one count of gambling/unlawful games and betting and 10 counts of gambling/unlawful possession/operation of slot, video, vending machine or gambling device, gambling and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.

Agents responded to a complaint of illegal gambling at 571 Lamar Highway in Timmonsville on April 20.

The agents conducted a knock-and-talk investigation resulting in the seizure of 10 illegal gaming machines. One of the machines was identified as a “Pot of Gold” device. The others offered various forms of poker, keno and blackjack — illegal games of chance prohibited by South Carolina law.

Langston admitted to keeping and operating the machines for the purpose of illegal gambling, according to the arrest affidavit.

Darlington sheriff’s investigators charged Roy William Cook, 67, of Lamar with unlawful possession/operation of slot, video vending machine or gambling device, gambling and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.

Sheriff’s investigators arrested Cook on April 20 in Lamar after conducting a search of his residence. According to the arrest affidavit, Cook had several pull or tip boards used for illegal gambling. He also cashed out vouchers from illegal gaming machines. Investigators found a quantity of pills in plastic baggies and an unlabeled pill bottle requiring a prescription possess.

All evidence was found during execution of a search warrant, according to the affidavit.

The investigation is ongoing, according to a SLED media release.

The 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case.