First Witness in Brett Parker Illegal Gambling Operation Trial Says He Gave Money to Parker’s Wife
A gambler who placed bets with Brett Parker’s illegal gambling ring testified to a federal jury on Monday, September 16th, that he handed his gambling money to Brett Parker’s wife, Tammy.
Harold “Hal” Saxby started placing bets with Brett Parker after the two met at a fantasy football draft in 2006. Saxby testified that he lost somewhere between $100,000 and $130,000 to Parker’s illegal gambling operation over the years, and to settle those debts he would deliver envelopes of cash to the Parkers’ home in Irmo.
On occasion, Saxby testified, he handed those envelopes to Tammy when she answered the door. “I would ask Tammy to give it to Brett,” Saxby said. “I would give her an envelope with Brett’s name on it.”
Prosecutors are attempting to prove that Tammy Jo Parker was part of the illegal gambling operation. 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.
In April 2012, Tammy Jo Parker was found shot to death, along with Bryan Capnerhurst, a friend of the Parkers and Brett Parker’s business associate, at the Parkers’ Irmo home. Brett Parker has since been tried and convicted with a life sentence for the double homicide.
Prosecutors have already argued that Bryan Capnerhurst was the 4th person involved in the illegal gambling operation. Also on trial for the federal charges are Brett Parker’s father Jack, and one of Jack’s business associates, Douglas E. Taylor.
Kathy Evatt, Parker’s federal public defender, said that the prosecution is throwing names out in an attempt to prove that the illegal gambling operation was big enough to prosecute.
“Don’t let them throw out a whole list of names and hope one of those sticks,” Evatt said. “It could be. It could be. It could be. Ask yourself throughout this trial, ‘Who is the fifth?’”
Saxby was one of four men who testified during Monday’s proceedings, but of all the witnesses, he had the largest gambling addiction. He said he would bet on 10 to 20 games a week, sometimes putting $400 on a single game. A typical bet for him was between $100 and $200.
According to other clients’ testimony, the Parkers put limits on how much clients, especially new clients, could bet, and new clients were required to settle their debts every Monday, usually before the Monday night football game during the NFL’s season. Once clients proved they were reliable in settling their debts, they were allowed to carry balances and make larger bets.
Prosecutors showed copies of two $6,000 cashier’s checks that Saxby delivered to the Parkers’ home to settle his debt, dated January 5, 2012 and January 12, 2012.
All of the witnesses testified that they rarely won a bet while participating in the illegal gambling operation.
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
