Poker game charges unlikely

Game violated law, but robbery is chief concern, Putnam sheriff says

WINFIELD — The six poker players who were robbed at gunpoint last week in Putnam County do not face illegal gambling charges, Sheriff Mark Smith said.

On Nov. 1, Kimberly Steinbrecher and Jacqueline Dennis allegedly entered a storage building behind a bar on W.Va. 34 near Hurricane. They pointed guns at a gathering of men, getting away with more than $27,000 in cash, according to a criminal complaint.

Smith called the poker game “a violation of law.” But he said Wednesday he is not looking into the illegal gambling involved in the incident.

“There’s no investigation into that,” he said. “Right now, our main concern is getting the armed robbery taken care of.”

Steinbrecher has turned herself in to Huntington Police. She is free on $100,000 bond.

Dennis is still on the run. Smith said his deputies must focus on finding the Wayne County suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.

“I’m not worried about the poker game. I’m worried about getting this woman off the streets,” he said. “Once we get that done, then we’ll look at whatever else we need to look at.”

Illegal gambling is a misdemeanor, according to state law. In most cases, it is punishable by a fine.

“It’s quite accepted in our culture,” said Steve Burton, director of the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, which helps problem gamblers get counseling.

In West Virginia, gambling is legal only in certain situations, he said. That includes state lottery, casinos, video lottery terminals and racinos. Bingo and raffle games are legal if they’re related to fundraising.

Burton said he is not familiar with the Putnam case. But the fact that the victims of the robbery called police “sort of shows how accepted gambling is, even though it’s illegal,” he said.

From office pools to card games between buddies, betting is so common that many people believe it is innocuous, Burton said.

Smith also pointed out how common and accepted card games are, legal or not.

“People have played poker for years, and they’re going to continue to play poker,” he said.

To contact staff writer Alison Knezevich, use e-mail or call 348-1240
Sunday Gazette - Charleston

News Added: 08 November, 2007

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