Wednesday, Jeffrey Blanton, 50, pleaded guilty to Operating a Gambling Business, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In January 2011, the Darlington County Sheriff's Office searched property on Billy Farrow Road belonging to Blanton's co-defendant's, Jammy Miller.
They seized approximately $185,000, four vehicles, gambling paraphernalia, Miller's personal computer and cell phone, and approximately nine gambling ledgers that detailed three million dollars in gross wagers over an eleven month period, according to a news release by U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles.
The search led to about 25 people being arrested, including Miller and Blanton.
Miller already pleaded guilty and agreed to forfeit: more than $221,000, a 1999 Chevy Silverado truck, a 2000 Dodge Ram Truck, a 2001 Chevy Corvette, a 2005 BMW LI745, and two computers.
Nettles said Blanton was operating an illegal gambling operation in Hamlet, North Carolina, and assisted Miller by sending some of his North Carolina customers to Miller's gambling business. He said Blanton also took some of his card dealers to Miller's business to assist in operating Miller's card games.
Blanton could receive a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
