Crime & Safety
Three Alleged Bookies to Plead Guilty in Midlands Gambling Ring
The three are charged as a result of an investigation into the alleged bookie operation of Brett Parker — the Irmo resident accused of the murders of his wife and family friend.
Three alleged bookies in the Midlands have agreed to plead guilty to illegal gambling charges, according to a report from The State.
In papers filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Columbia, local residents Lanny Ray Gunter II, part owner of the The Wild Hare Sports Cafe in Irmo and Columbia, Harry Benenhaley and Ronald Dale Spence have all agreed to plead guilty to operating a sports gambling business.
No hearing date has been set for the three men. They could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Find out what's happening in Irmo-Seven Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The charges come as a result of the Richland County Sheriff's Office and the Secret Service investigation into the alleged sports bookie operation ran by , The State reports.
Earlier this year, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Parker was a bookie and Capnerhurst was an employee in his gambling operation.
Find out what's happening in Irmo-Seven Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Parker is accused of shooting his wife, Tammy, and Capnerhurst in the Parker's Ascot Estates home on April 13.
Parker, however, told Richland County Sheriff's detectives that he shot Capnherhurst in self-defense after Capnherhurst shot his wife.
No trial date has been set in the Parker case. Brett Parker remains at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
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