May 25, 11

NEWS / Florida Man Pleads Guilty in South Carolina Gambling Scheme

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Heath J. Carpman, age 37, of Plantation, Florida, pled guilty today in federal court in Columbia, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Senior United States District Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr., accepted the plea and will sentence Carpman on September 8, 2011.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Heath Carpman held himself out as someone who would place bets on various sporting events on behalf of customers. He accepted approximately $667,000 from a South Carolina victim. Rather than bet the money, he kept it and split it with his business partner, Brian Studley. Studley, also of Florida, has previously been charged and pled guilty.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Carpman can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for five years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office handled the case.

http://www.fbi.gov/columbia/press-releases/2011/florida-man-pleads-guilty-in-south-carolina-gambling-scheme