Brett Parker and Associate’s Gambling Case Will Not Receive a New Trial

On Tuesday, November 5th, a federal judge denied a request for Brett Parker and his business associates, his father Jack Parker and Douglas E. Taylor. In September, the three men were found guilty of running an illegal gambling operation.

Brett Parker’s attorneys asked for a new trial in the wake of allegations against a key witness for the prosecution, who is now undergoing his own federal fraud trial. US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie filed a 19-page order on Monday afternoon to officially deny the motion.

Final sentencing for Brett Parker, Jack Parker, and Douglas E. Taylor will occur on December 18th at a federal courthouse in Columbia.

Defense attorneys who filed the motion claimed that they should have been made aware of the federal fraud allegations against witness Ben Staples, who reportedly victimized 44 dying people from 2008 to 2012, and converted about $6.5 million in the victims’ assets to his personal use, according to the federal fraud charges.

The complaint alleges that Ben and Oneal Staples, his son, found terminally ill patients through a business venture called the Estate Assistance Program, which they operated between 2008 and 2012. Oneal offered to pay for the victim’s funeral, “if the terminally ill individuals agreed to open a joint brokerage account with the Staples.” When the victims agreed to that, according to the complaint, “the Staples required them to relinquish any ownership rights to any assets purchased in those accounts through the execution of side agreements.” Once they had access to the brokerage accounts, the Staples would purchase a “survivor’s option,” giving the father and son team the right to redeem the bonds after the victim’s death.

The defense alleges that the outcome of the trial could have changed if they had known about Staples’s charges.

As part of his punishment, Jack Parker agreed to forfeit a $67,300 certificate of deposit account to the federal government, so that he could keep his home in Lake Murray. Prosecutors sought forfeiture of the house as well, but because Brett and Tammy Parker’s children live there with their grandparents now, the judge ruled that the elder Parkers could keep the home to prevent further disruption to the children’s lives.

The guilty verdict came just two days after the trial officially began, but the jury deliberated for five hours.

Brett 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 illegal gambling operation trial charges and evidence were uncovered during the criminal investigation into Tammy Parker’s and Capnerhurst’s deaths.

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