Lexington County deputies arrest 11 for gambling in poker games

Lexington County deputies arrested 11 men for gambling on poker at a store in West Columbia.

The arrests came after a raid late Thursday following a tip that the games were happening, deputies said. More than $32,000 was also seized.

Edward Brown, 51, of West Columbia is charged with running an unlawful game and gambling as well as intent to distribute drugs.

Ten other men men were cited for being at the scene of illegal gambling, deputies said:

Phillip Popper, 24, Aiken; Ralph Taylor, 74, Longs; James Fanigan, 50, Barnwell; David Bleiler, 46, Columbia; Robert Wallens, 59, Augusta, Ga.; Koger Gleaton, 67, West Columbia; James Tapp, 43, Inman; William Matthews, 52, Aiken; Brett Feder, 55, Lexington; and Jon Soule, 37, Columbia.

Winnings were paid from Texas Hold ‘em poker games, Sheriff Jay Koon said.

“These operations can spring up almost anywhere,” he said. “We rely heavily on tips from the public because they know when activity levels and traffic at a certain location change or just don’t look right.”