Illegal Gambling Trial for Irmo Bookie, His Father, and a Third Employee Begins on September 15th
Brett Parker’s federal illegal gambling trial began Monday, September 15th. His father, Jack Parker, and a third bookie named Douglas E. Taylor, are also defendants in the trial.
Parker has already received life in prison after being convicted of the double homicide of his wife, Tammy Jo Parker, and his friend/business parker, Bryan Capnerhurst. However, that trial was for state-level criminal charges. The upcoming trial is for federal illegal gambling charges, which were uncovered during the criminal investigation into Tammy Parker’s and Capnerhurst’s deaths.
The judge ruled that attorneys and witnesses cannot mention that Brett Parker is in jail for homicide, and they cannot discuss Tammy Parker’s and the betting clerk’s murders. However, prosecutors believe that Tammy Jo Parker helped her husband run his branch of the larger illegal gambling operation, and want to use handwritten budgets to prove that she at least knew about the illegal gambling income, and planned to have it.
If the household budget is not used as evidence, there is one Secret Service report from a supposed witness alleging that he delivered gambling proceeds to Tammy Parker on one occasion. No other witnesses claim to have given money to Parker’s wife, however.
To convict a defendant on illegal gambling charges, prosecutors must prove that five or more people were involved in the operation, that the ring operated for more than 30 consecutive days, and had a gross revenue of more than $2,000 each day.
Assistant US Attorney Winston Holliday said that, during the pre-trial proceedings, he would introduce Tammy Jo Parker and Bryan Capnerhurst as the 4th and 5th members of the illegal gambling operation, respectively.
During the double homicide trial, Brett Parker admitted that he was a bookie, and testimony from accomplices in the illegal gambling operation indicated that his father, Jack Parker, introduced him to the business.
Lanny Ray Gunter, Harry Benenhaley and Ronald Dale Spence pleaded guilty in October to running an illegal gambling business. Gunter served time in federal prison and paid a fine while the others received home confinement, probation and paid fines.
If convicted, the maximum prison sentence for running an illegal gambling operation is 5 years. However, prosecutors say they will seize assets they believe are related to the illegal gambling operation, which for Jack Parker means he will lose a home on Lake Murray, and $63,302 in a certified deposit account.
The Strom Law Firm Defends Against State and Federal Criminal Charges, Including Illegal Gambling Rings
Our firm was founded by Pete Strom, the former US Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He, along with his team of attorneys, will zealously represent you in any state or federal court in South Carolina against criminal charges, including illegal gambling. Don’t miss out on your one opportunity to protect your rights and maintain your freedom. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have over 30 years of experience collectively. We offer free, confidential consultations. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800
