North Charleston, July 25, 2025
News Summary
James Darr and Valva Kennedy have been charged with swindling a victim out of over $21,000 in a fraudulent bingo-style gambling game in North Charleston. The scam involved misleading the victim during a gaming event and pressuring him to continue betting. Following an investigation, the North Charleston Police arrested both suspects, who have previous criminal histories. The incident serves as a warning against unregulated gambling and financial exploitation.
North Charleston – Two individuals, James Darr, 25, and Valva Kennedy, 51, have been charged with swindling related to a gambling scam that resulted in a significant loss for a victim, amounting to over $21,000. The North Charleston Police Department announced the charges following an investigation into the fraudulent activity that took place on January 26.
The victim was coaxed into a bingo-style game at a ‘customer appreciation’ tent set up adjacent to a gas station on Ashley Phosphate Road. Initially, the victim was offered three free attempts to participate in the game, which likely created a false sense of confidence regarding the fairness of the operation. After these free trials, the victim was informed that a buy-in of $20 would provide an opportunity to win up to $250. However, as the game progressed, the victim’s buy-ins escalated dramatically, ultimately totaling $1,280 as he was enticed by the prospect of a promised jackpot of $35,000.
The victim expressed feeling pressured to continue participating in the scam, under the impression that he was “bound to win.” Unfortunately, this led to a substantial financial loss, ultimately totaling $21,000.
James Darr was arrested on July 1, 2025, while Valva Kennedy was taken into custody on July 23, 2025. As of July 24, 2025, Kennedy remains in Charleston County jail, unable to post her $10,000 bail, while Darr was released under similar bail conditions just a day after his arrest. Both suspects are noted to have a shared address in Orangeburg, South Carolina; however, the nature of their relationship has not been disclosed.
Valva Kennedy has a pronounced criminal history dating back to 2006, which includes five convictions for shoplifting, alongside charges for domestic violence and assault and battery. In contrast, James Darr’s criminal record began in 2020, with a notable arrest for attempting to defraud someone through a counterfeit lottery game in June 2025.
Their arrests were the result of thorough investigative work by North Charleston Police, who acted quickly to address the gambling scam that had deceived their victim and potentially others as well.
The North Charleston case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with unregulated gambling activities and the potential for fraud. The police are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any similar suspicious activities that could lead to financial exploitation.
Impact of Gambling Scams
Gambling scams can cause emotional distress and financial hardship for victims. These criminal acts often take advantage of individuals’ hope and expectations of winning, leading to substantial monetary losses. Authorities continue to combat these types of fraud to protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.
Legal Process Ahead
The next steps in the legal process for Darr and Kennedy will likely involve court proceedings to determine the outcome of the charges against them. Both suspects could face significant penalties if found guilty, highlighting the gravity of their alleged actions.
Conclusion
As the investigation closes in on this particular case, the community is reminded of the importance of awareness and caution when it comes to gambling-related activities.
FAQ
What happened in the North Charleston gambling scam?
Two suspects were charged with swindling a victim out of $21,000 through a fraudulent bingo-style gambling game.
Who are the suspects involved?
The suspects are James Darr, 25, and Valva Kennedy, 51. Darr was arrested on July 1, 2025, and Kennedy on July 23, 2025.
What were the circumstances of the scam?
The victim was lured to play a bingo-style game at a tent set up near a gas station and ultimately lost over $21,000 after being pressured to continue betting.
What is the current status of the suspects?
As of July 24, 2025, Valva Kennedy remains in jail unable to post bail, while James Darr has been released on bail.
What is the legal process following their arrests?
James Darr and Valva Kennedy are expected to face court proceedings to address the charges related to the gambling scam.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North Charleston, near a gas station on Ashley Phosphate Road |
| Suspects | James Darr (25), Valva Kennedy (51) |
| Victim Loss | $21,000 |
| Arrest Dates | James Darr: July 1, 2025, Valva Kennedy: July 23, 2025 |
| Bail Status | Kennedy: $10,000 bail, still in jail; Darr: released on bail |
| Criminal Records | Kennedy: multiple convictions, including shoplifting; Darr: previous arrest for fraud |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Count On 2
- Post and Courier
- WYFF 4
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Gambling Scams
- Google Search: North Charleston Gambling Scam
- Google Scholar: Gambling Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gambling
- Google News: North Charleston Gambling Arrests
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