Father, Son Team Avoid Prison for Michigan Gambling Violations

Father, Son Team Avoid Prison for Michigan Gambling Violations.

Costfoto / NurPhoto / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Two relatives accused of operating illegal gambling joints in avoided spending time in prison after they were sentenced this month to .

Henry WilliamsHenry Williams, pictured above. He s executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The board investigated illegal gambling in the state. (Image: MGCB)

Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, of Davison, Mich., and Shaun M. Bellah II, 24, of Highland, Mich., must now successfully complete probation.

The older defendant was placed on two years of probation, and must pay $130 in fines, as well as $136 in fees and court costs. His son was sentenced to a year of probation and must pay a fine of $130, as well as pay $68 in fees and court costs.

The sentences were handed down by Michigan Circuit Court Judge Richard D. Ball.

The cases came about after a joint investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s office and the (MGCB).

Authorities said the duo operated illicit storefront gambling locations, identified as , and The Bristol Spot in Burton. Both communities are located in Michigan’s Genesee County.

Two Sites Raided

During raids in 2022, authorities confiscated 100 gambling devices, $29,204 in cash, and 62 gift cards from the locations.

Initially, each man was charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, running a gambling operation without a license, and using computers to commit a crime.

Plea Deals

But they both agreed to deals where they pled guilty to a lesser charge of maintaining a gambling house for gain. The older Bellah also pled guilty to a single count of conducting a gambling operation without a license.

As long as they successfully complete their probationary periods, they will avoid more serious penalties. Without probation and plea deals, the crimes could have led to prison sentences.

State officials say the cases are examples of how Michigan will enforce its gambling laws.

This case underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of our state’s gaming industry,” MGCB Executive Director said in a recent statement. “We will continue to work diligently with the Michigan Attorney General’s office to identify and prosecute individuals who seek to circumvent our laws.”

In addition, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said how her office and the MGCB “partnered to dismantle a significant unlicensed gambling operation, seizing 100 illegal gaming machines and thousands of dollars in illicit profits.”

Article Sources
Joey Chestnut Heavy Favorite to Woof Down Most Hot Dogs at July 4 Contest editorial policy.
  1. Wynn Debt Covenant Request Tolerable, but Analyst Sees Chance of Q2 Dividend Suspension

Compare Accounts
×
Raiders Were “Picking Adelson’s Pocket” Over Stadium Deal, Says Spokesman
Provider
Name
Description
Japan State of Emergency Declarations Likely to Impact Tokyo, Osaka Casino Timelines  Giants, Jets, Bills Sign Letter Outlining Concerns Over New York Sports Betting  PokerStars Fined by New Jersey for Geolocation Errors  Spectrum Gaming Releases Top 10 Trends for Global Gaming Industry in 2023  Cambodia’s Efforts to Rid Country of Illegal Casinos are Paying Off  Pope County Judge Submits Exclusive Letter of Support Backing Cherokees Casino  Baltimore Ravens Lose Running Back J.K. Dobbins to Season-Ending Injury  Playtech Gives JKO More Time to Make Binding Purchase Bid  Floyd Mayweather Reportedly Reaches Deal to Box Conor McGregor in Las Vegas  Nevada Gaming Regulators Consider Interstate Sports Betting, But Federal Wire Act May Impede Action