Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today that his department has conducted a five month investigation into illegal gambling operations involving video poker machines and the misconduct in office by a deputy and a county employee. A tip from the community stating that illegal gambling was taking place at several locations lead deputies to open an investigation – as deputies began looking into the gambling they developed information that a deputy and county employee were involved in the illegal activity. Sheriff Lott stated that he directed investigators to conduct an undercover operation and determine what evidence could be obtained to arrest those involved.

Sheriff Lott stated that Walter Huggins (DOB 5-7-47) was arrested today (employed by Richland County Public Works Department, Refuse Control Section) conspired to operate video gambling locations and also warned his partners in crime of impending investigations after he was interviewed about the ongoing Sheriff’s Department investigation. Huggins was a commissioned constable by the County and has been charged with one count of official misconduct in office, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of possessing illegal video poker machines.

Sheriff Lott stated that citizens need to know that all of their concerns will be taken seriously and investigated vigorously. Sheriff Lott stated that no matter who you are, if you break the law, you will be arrested and prosecuted.