A statewide grand jury has received a report from the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) regarding the “Lexington Ring” – a cabal of crooked cops and corrupt politicians rumored to be running a criminal video poker operation in the Midlands region of the Palmetto State.
That means indictments are likely to be forthcoming in the case (finally) … although it’s not clear which politicians or law enforcement personnel are in the crosshairs.
“The video poker investigation involving a sitting Lexington town councilman and connected to a former senator and sitting sheriff is in the hands of the statewide grand jury,” WIS TV 10 (NBC – Columbia, S.C.) reported this week. “The body could decide whether the state Attorney General brings charges from the investigation.”
FITS has been following this saga every since it broke last August. Along with WIS, we’ve been driving coverage of the “Ring” after The (Columbia, S.C.) Free Times – the outlet which originally broke the story – mysteriously backed off of its investigation (and destroyed the evidence it received in connection with that probe).
We were told in January that indictments in the case were imminent, but so far none have materialized.
Both federal and state law enforcement personnel have been pursuing the criminal investigation.
The “Ring” burst into the headlines last year when a Lexington, S.C. councilman named Danny Frazier was surreptitiously recorded detailing the inner workings of its operation to a prospective client. These recordings were provided to SLED last spring by a former member of the ring – a ex-magistrate who claims he once issued favorable rulings from the bench on behalf of the underground video poker industry. Frazier originally denied making the statements contained in the recordings, but later changed his tune and said he fabricated them in an effort to make himself appear influential.
Among the names dropped by Frazier on the tapes? Lexington, S.C. Sheriff Jimmy Metts, Columbia, S.C. mayor Steve Benjamin, former S.C. Senator Jakie Knotts (RINO-Lexington) and S.C. Senator Ronnie Cromer (RINO-Newberry).
Federal investigators have been attempting to “follow the money” in this case, and have reportedly identified at least one of ways the outfit laundered money. We’re also told feds have traced many of the machines used by the “Ring,” and determined they were smuggled into the Palmetto State inside mobile homes bound for Lexington County.
As we’ve noted from the beginning of our coverage of the “Ring,” we continue to believe that all forms of gambling should be legalized in South Carolina. In fact these scandals have only heightened our resolve to integrate them into the free market – eliminating the current government-run gambling monopoly (as well as all of this backdoor corruption).
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49 comments
Free Times dropped it whenSteve Benjamin was implicated. He is suposed to save their party in this state. (See Tennenbaum, Sheheen, Hodges, Moore, Alvin Greene and Clyburn)….Liberals in the media will kill to take down any “R”…but they’ll let a thousand devil go free to protect their saviors. Look what they’ve let Obama do to our country…
For the record: The AG’s office is not the source of the Grand Jury claim. They have not confirmed what WIS has reported.
That’s the problem with Free Times. They still buy into the illusion that there is a difference between SC Democrats and SC Republicans.
Boz: Haven’t you and FITS been embarrassed enough by the claim there is no difference.
I find the simplist of minds -because the GOP has RINOs in it- calim there is no difference.
Remember Yall hate God, and tried to remove Him from your
Platform over the summer. You are anti-White, because Rev. tells you to be, and You are killing yourselves to Raise taxes. And you swear government “built It” and it’ll fall apart if the government does not take what I earn and give it to shameless idiots who are too lazy to work, like you.
You parade your daughters in front of pornographers because you’re too hard-up, weak and lecherous to protect children..
Need I go on…
You have gone further off the rails than ever on this one, you chickenshit identity-hiding pussy. Sic and I don’t agree on everything by any means, but we both supported and voted for Gary Johnson. I do not recall anything about the Libertarian party taking God out of the platform over the Summer. Don’t think it was ever an issue one way or the other. Speaking only for myself, though I am mixed-race, I’m by no means anti-white. I honor my heritage – the good, the bad and the ugly. Thankfully, though, I don’t have to honor dumb-ass cracker assholes like you. And what damned “Rev.” are you talking about? What’s that dumb bullshit about wanting to raise taxes and the gratuitous slander about our daughters? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU, SON??? Somebody lace your ‘shine with PCP at the local alkie hang-out after the big KKK rally?
I’m starting to wonder if BigT isn’t Fits trying to stir shit up within his own blog. Nobody can be as ignorant as BigT and still function in society.
Are we sure that he actually “functions” in society?
I surmise Big T is serving the purpose for which the avatar was created – posting purposefully irrational assertions of bigotry, posing as fact, with intent to elicit emotional responses, to boost site traffic numbers. Suggest fans of reasoned dialogue don’t bite, except for the occasion when it includes rational observation. Hey, even a broken clock is accurate twice a day. Acknowledging Big T’s rants is like arguing with a 6 year old who’s having a tantrum. The child isn’t using reasoning. So it is with Big T’s rants.
It’s CONFIRMED now, Boz. Run, is the FIRST thing ALL Liberals do is DENY who and what they are…
You LOVE all the pats on the back for being a failed Dumb@$$ leftwinger..but you turn into a sissy litte COWARD, and run, when Defined accurately…So Typical…
“We did our best to weed out any blogs that regularly publish potentially offensive content but something always slips through the cracks”
Buz, please don’t ruin Fitsnews’ chance to be recognized two years in a row by the Washington Post. I’m having too much fun with this.
Free Times dropped it whenSteve Benjamin was implicated. He is suposed to save their party in this state. (See Tennenbaum, Sheheen, Hodges, Moore, Alvin Greene and Clyburn)….Liberals in the media will kill to take down any “R”…but they’ll let a thousand devil go free to protect their saviors. Look what they’ve let Obama do to our country…
For the record: The AG’s office is not the source of the Grand Jury claim. They have not confirmed what WIS has reported.
That’s the problem with Free Times. They still buy into the illusion that there is a difference between SC Democrats and SC Republicans.
Boz: Haven’t you and FITS been embarrassed enough by the claim there is no difference.
I find the simplist of minds -because the GOP has RINOs in it- calim there is no difference.
Remember Yall hate God, and tried to remove Him from your
Platform over the summer. You are anti-White, because Rev. tells you to be, and You are killing yourselves to Raise taxes. And you swear government “built It” and it’ll fall apart if the government does not take what I earn and give it to shameless idiots who are too lazy to work, like you.
You parade your daughters in front of pornographers because you’re too hard-up, weak and lecherous to protect children..
Need I go on…
You have gone further off the rails than ever on this one, you chickenshit identity-hiding pussy. Sic and I don’t agree on everything by any means, but we both supported and voted for Gary Johnson. I do not recall anything about the Libertarian party taking God out of the platform over the Summer. Don’t think it was ever an issue one way or the other. Speaking only for myself, though I am mixed-race, I’m by no means anti-white. I honor my heritage – the good, the bad and the ugly. Thankfully, though, I don’t have to honor dumb-ass cracker assholes like you. And what damned “Rev.” are you talking about? What’s that dumb bullshit about wanting to raise taxes and the gratuitous slander about our daughters? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU, SON??? Somebody lace your ‘shine with PCP at the local alkie hang-out after the big KKK rally?
I’m starting to wonder if BigT isn’t Fits trying to stir shit up within his own blog. Nobody can be as ignorant as BigT and still function in society.
Are we sure that he actually “functions” in society?
I surmise Big T is serving the purpose for which the avatar was created – posting purposefully irrational assertions of bigotry, posing as fact, with intent to elicit emotional responses, to boost site traffic numbers. Suggest fans of reasoned dialogue don’t bite, except for the occasion when it includes rational observation. Hey, even a broken clock is accurate twice a day. Acknowledging Big T’s rants is like arguing with a 6 year old who’s having a tantrum. The child isn’t using reasoning. So it is with Big T’s rants.
It’s CONFIRMED now, Boz. Run, is the FIRST thing ALL Liberals do is DENY who and what they are…
You LOVE all the pats on the back for being a failed Dumb@$$ leftwinger..but you turn into a sissy litte COWARD, and run, when Defined accurately…So Typical…
“We did our best to weed out any blogs that regularly publish potentially offensive content but something always slips through the cracks”
Buz, please don’t ruin Fitsnews’ chance to be recognized two years in a row by the Washington Post. I’m having too much fun with this.
Great job on reporting the facts on this one. It will be interesting to see who plea bargained and who didn’t play the game.
Hear Danny plea bargained or as they say, sang like a bird.
I have been hearing that also. The problem is he (DF) is such an outrageous liar, no one is taking anything he says seriously anymore. That is playing into the hands of the real crooks over here. Knotts, Moore, Metts and Myers are safe. Some of the little boys may get a slap on the wrist, but it will be back to corruption as usual soon.
Danny Frazier is a liar but those tapes with his voice on them and Jody Barr confirming where those poker machines were exactly where Danny said they would be don’t lie.
Heard the same thing. Also heard Metts would not serve out his term, who knows?
I do know this whole bunch needs to go, the ring and all of their maggot associates and friends, who have turned a blid eye to their activities: TJ, DT, JO, RH, HT, DG, BP,DM, all need to go!
Great job on reporting the facts on this one. It will be interesting to see who plea bargained and who didn’t play the game.
Hear Danny plea bargained or as they say, sang like a bird.
I have been hearing that also. The problem is he (DF) is such an outrageous liar, no one is taking anything he says seriously anymore. That is playing into the hands of the real crooks over here. Knotts, Moore, Metts and Myers are safe. Some of the little boys may get a slap on the wrist, but it will be back to corruption as usual soon.
Danny Frazier is a liar but those tapes with his voice on them and Jody Barr confirming where those poker machines were exactly where Danny said they would be don’t lie.
Heard the same thing. Also heard Metts would not serve out his term, who knows?
I do know this whole bunch needs to go, the ring and all of their maggot associates and friends, who have turned a blid eye to their activities: TJ, DT, JO, RH, HT, DG, BP,DM, all need to go!
The Feds seemed to have lost interest when Jakie Knotts lost and appears to not be of any importance now. With the others reallly being Democrats, regardless of what they claim, there is little chance this is really going to go anywhere. Jahue Moore and Jean Toal REALLY want this under the rug. Low level moles claim they no longer have anything to worry about with Knotts now let loose.
The Feds seemed to have lost interest when Jakie Knotts lost and appears to not be of any importance now. With the others reallly being Democrats, regardless of what they claim, there is little chance this is really going to go anywhere. Jahue Moore and Jean Toal REALLY want this under the rug. Low level moles claim they no longer have anything to worry about with Knotts now let loose.
This is what passes as responsible journalism in SC these days? Pathetic.
This is what passes as responsible journalism in SC these days? Pathetic.
How long is a grand jury decision likely to take?
How long is a grand jury decision likely to take?
Don’t forget the City of Columbia Water Department and the Gateway Supply plumbing connection that this City has. Think about it……..the water department has access everywhere and they use that to their advantage. Throw in a bunch of plumbers in state and local plumbing unions and VIOLA!! Instant embezzlement. AND…….wait for it…….wait for it…….these idiots are stupid enough to run their own intimidation, so they’re obvious with it. Seen it first hand.
??????? What the hell does this have to do with Lexington? You smoking plumbers crack John Harmon?
at least one of these people who was dirty with Knotts worked for a plumbing company in Lexington County. remember the guy who was with Danny and Jakie with the hooker? Yeah look into that
Don’t forget the City of Columbia Water Department and the Gateway Supply plumbing connection that this City has. Think about it……..the water department has access everywhere and they use that to their advantage. Throw in a bunch of plumbers in state and local plumbing unions and VIOLA!! Instant embezzlement. AND…….wait for it…….wait for it…….these idiots are stupid enough to run their own intimidation, so they’re obvious with it. Seen it first hand.
??????? What the hell does this have to do with Lexington? You smoking plumbers crack John Harmon?
It’s way past time to see some stainless steel bracelets being snapped around two pairs of porcine wrists (Jakie’s and Jimmy’s), some effeminate vaguely reeking of alcohol “cafe mocha” colored wrists (Lil’Stevie) and some stylishly groomed wrists (Lil’Ronnie).
If this were any other Bubba, Tubby, Tyrone and Chester, they’d have been rotting in Jimmy’s jail since the allegation first came out – and not just because they were cutting into Jimmy’s profit margin.
It’s way past time to see some stainless steel bracelets being snapped around two pairs of porcine wrists (Jakie’s and Jimmy’s), some effeminate vaguely reeking of alcohol “cafe mocha” colored wrists (Lil’Stevie) and some stylishly groomed wrists (Lil’Ronnie).
If this were any other Bubba, Tubby, Tyrone and Chester, they’d have been rotting in Jimmy’s jail since the allegation first came out – and not just because they were cutting into Jimmy’s profit margin.
If this hinges on Alan Wilson doing anything, it won’t happen, period. Alan is Joe Wilson’s son. Joe is asshole buddies with Jake Knotts and several of the rest of the crime ring. Alan is devoid of integrity. The Feds are our only hope of seeing justice, but they appear to have been dissuaded, bought off, or intimidated…., by Joe maybe?
If this hinges on Alan Wilson doing anything, it won’t happen, period. Alan is Joe Wilson’s son. Joe is asshole buddies with Jake Knotts and several of the rest of the crime ring. Alan is devoid of integrity. The Feds are our only hope of seeing justice, but they appear to have been dissuaded, bought off, or intimidated…., by Joe maybe?
Why don’t we just have Robots instead of Wilson, Mulvaney, Duncan, Gowdy,and Grooms(or Sanfraud,Teddy, Limeaid,etc.. )
A lot cheaper, less obnoxious smarter, and no one would/could tell the difference in voting records.
Robots think for themselves occasionally too. Not this dumb-fuck bunch of losers.
Why don’t we just have Robots instead of Wilson, Mulvaney, Duncan, Gowdy,and Grooms(or Sanfraud,Teddy, Limeaid,etc.. )
A lot cheaper, less obnoxious smarter, and no one would/could tell the difference in voting records.
Robots think for themselves occasionally too. Not this dumb-fuck bunch of losers.
If Benjamin skates AGAIN…we need to march inthe Streets…
Okay with this information, we know BigT is black… now we just need to figure out which black member of the Tea Party he is.
If Benjamin skates AGAIN…we need to march inthe Streets…
Okay with this information, we know BigT is black… now we just need to figure out which black member of the Tea Party he is.