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
New Year’s Six Bowls Breakdown, Florida Biggest Sports Betting Favorite editorial policy.
  1. Phil Mickelson Acquaintance Billy Walters to Seek Dismissal of Insider Trading Charges

Compare Accounts
×
Barista Wins Record-Breaking Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest
Provider
Name
Description
Pennsylvania Readies New Online Gambling Bill  William Hill CEO Joe Asher Establishes Employee Fund, Donates Entire Salary  Jackpot: Las Vegas Casinos Pay Four Wins of $400K or More  AGA Issues New ‘Best Practices’ to Impede Money Laundering Inside Casinos  PokerStars to Launch Virtual Reality Poker Platform, PokerStars VR  End Of An Era: Celine Dion Ending 13-Year Las Vegas Colosseum Residency at Caesars Palace  PredictIt to Appeal and Seek Injunction After Lower Court Fails to Act  US Casino Operators Could Face Bankruptcy, Available Cash Tight, Experts Say  New Jersey Gaming Regulators Seize $107K From Prohibited Players at Borgata, Issue Numerous Fines  Macau, Hong Kong Require Vaxx for Quarantine-Free Travel Between SARs