Gambling Ring Leader Sentenced

Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100

Columbia, South Carolina -----United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Izzat M. Khalil, age 54, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, was sentenced today in federal court in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1955, which prohibits the operation of an illegal gambling business.  Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Khalil to one year and one day imprisonment and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.  According to his plea agreement, Khalil is forfeiting $194,522.00 in gambling proceeds to the United States.

Evidence at the change of plea hearing established that during the dates set forth in the indictment, Khalil conducted an illegal gambling business in and around Greenville, South Carolina.  Five or more persons were involved in this activity and the business was in continuous operation for more than 30 days.  The headquarters of Khalil’s business was 6129 Augusta Road, in Greenville South Carolina.  Law enforcement used a number of confidential informants to make controlled purchases from Khalil’s gambling locations.  For example, on January 31, 2012 and March 13, 2013, a confidential informant who was wired for video and audio made controlled gambling bets at 6129 Augusta Road.  Each time the informant received a slip memorializing the transaction.  Khalil employed individuals making the betting tickets, recording the wagers, and paying out when necessary.  This activity was in violation of S.C. Code Ann. 12-21-2710 and 16-19-130.

The case was investigated by deputies of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.