COLUMBIA, SC (WMBF) One Darlington County man had his day in court, and pleaded guilty to charges alleged he was operating an illegal gambling business.
US Attorney Bill Nettles says 50-year-old Jeffrey Blanton of Hamlet, NC entered a guilty plea in federal court on Wednesday to operating an illegal gambling business.
The judge accepted that plea and will move on sentencing.
Evidence shows the United States Secret Service was contacted by the Darlington County Sheriff's Office in February 2011 about the business being run from a man's home.
A search warrant was executed in January 2011, seizing $185,000, four vehicles, gambling paraphernalia, gambling ledgers and computers and cell phones.
According to Nettles, those ledgers detailed $3 million in gross wagers over a period of 11 months.
Approximately 25 people were arrested during that search.
Attorney Bill Nettles said Blanton could receive is a fine of
$250,000 and/or five years in prison, plus a special assessment of
$100.00.
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