FILE

IRMO, S.C. (WOLO)– The Irmo Police Department has busted an illegal gambling operation that was next to a children’s day care, say officers.

Irmo Police say an investigation began after tips from the community which led them to an office suite located in the Friarsgate Centre, 100 block of N. Royal Tower.

During the investigation, detectives say they learned that around 6 to 20 people would show up during planned events to play organized poker.

Adam Watts, 28, of Chapin, Gary Watts, 67, of Chapin, and Daniel Schaffer, 53, of Lexington were charged with keeping unlawful gaming tables.

Seven other individuals were charged with playing at a gaming house.

Detectives also say at the end of these evening games, the “house/host” of the games would collect portions of the table winnings.

“This type of activity is against state law, and will not be tolerated in Irmo,” said Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale.

Over $15,000 in cash was seized. Investigators say everyone was cited and released with a pending court hearing in June.