Michael Todd Parker, Gambling Machine Seizure, South Carolina 2012

Columbia, South Carolina – In a shocking turn of events, a former deputy sheriff has pleaded guilty to seizing and distributing illegal poker machines, netting himself a substantial financial gain.

Michael Todd Parker, a 37-year-old man from Cherokee County, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 666. This crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. Parker, a former deputy sheriff of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, participated in the corrupt seizure of a number of illegal poker machines from local businesses between 2010 and 2012.

After seizing the machines, Parker then redistributed them, personally benefiting financially from the scheme. His actions were uncovered by a federal investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard is assigned to the case.

Parker was terminated from his position with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in 2012. His guilty plea brings an end to a tumultuous period in his life, marked by corruption and deceit. The charges against him are a stern reminder of the consequences of betraying the public trust.

The case serves as a warning to law enforcement officials: no one is above the law. The actions of individuals like Michael Todd Parker undermine the very fabric of our society and erode the trust that citizens have in their institutions.

A sentencing date has not been set for Parker, but he is expected to face the consequences of his actions. The exact date of his sentencing will be announced in due course.

The guilty plea and subsequent sentencing of Michael Todd Parker serve as a stark reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. In a world where corruption and deceit are ever-present, it is crucial that we celebrate the bravery of those who speak truth to power and uphold the law.

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