Illegal Gambling Trial for Elder and Junior Parker, Third Bookie, Postponed

The federal trial for the illegal gambling rings run by Brett Parker, his father Jack Parker, and a third bookie have been postponed until September.

According to reports, the change was requested due to a change in public defenders. Brett Parker, who was convicted with a life sentence for the double homicide of his wife, Tammy Jo Parker, and his best friend and business associate, Bryan Capnerhurst, has a public defender for the illegal gambling trial.

In February, Jack and Brett Parker, along with Douglas E. Taylor, were indicted on federal charges for running illegal gambling operations in South Carolina. When Brett Parker was indicted on double homicide charges, he admitted several times that he was a bookie, to investigators and during his testimony at his homicide trial.

Jury selection for the federal illegal gambling trial has been scheduled for August 22nd, and the trial itself will begin September 16th.

Each of the suspects has been indicted on one charge for running an illegal gambling operation, and if convicted, they could serve up to five years in prison. However, Brett Parker is already serving a life sentence for the double homicide. They might also owe the federal government $1 million each in forfeitures. However, because of the double homicide case, Brett Parker does not have any assets – his upscale Irmo home, which he owned with his wife, is under foreclosure, and Tammy Jo Parker’s $1.1 million retirement and life insurance payouts were put in trust funds for the couple’s two children.

US District Court Judge Cameron McGowan issued a restraining order to prevent Jack and Linda Parker – Brett Parker’s parents – from selling their waterfront property, and cashing out a $67,302 certificate of deposit with First Citizen’s Bank. According to Richland County tax records, the property at Lake Murray has a value of over $520,000.

Per court documents, if Jack Parker is convicted for his illegal gambling charges, the couple will have to forfeit the property and bank account. Linda Parker, however, has not been indicted or charged.

Several Illegal Gambling Ring Suspects Will Not Be Prosecuted

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department announced that on the evening of Tuesday, April 9th, the 17 suspects pled guilty and were offered a literal get-out-of-jail-free card: Sheriff Leon Lott said the men could avoid illegal gambling charges if they agreed to go to Gamblers Anonymous.

However, only one of the defendants accepted the offer. The other 16 men simply paid their fines. They had been charged for misdemeanor gambling, because, although they were part of the large-scale illegal gambling operation, they only placed bets with Parker and his “employees.”

A press release from the sheriff’s department said that all the men are now officially considered adjudicated and the cases are closed.

Some other members of the illegal gambling ring have been arrested on federal gambling charges, including Lanny Ray Gunter, who ran a branch of the operation in Lexington. However, his sentence was reduced because he agreed to cooperate with authorities during the investigation of the Parker murder case.

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.