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
Underground Poker Club Busted in Tokyo, Country Sees Surge in Popularity after WSOP editorial policy.
  1. Football Index Wrongfully Used Customer Funds for Expansion, Leaked Docs Show

Compare Accounts
×
Bad Bounces For Bettor as MGM Airballs Two Sportsbook Checks, Player Fights to Get Less Than $1K to Clear
Provider
Name
Description
Nevada Gaming Control Board Hears Sightline Call for Online Verification of Wagering Apps  Bad Bounces For Bettor as MGM Airballs Two Sportsbook Checks, Player Fights to Get Less Than $1K to Clear  Naked Louisiana Diamond Jacks Casino Runner in Custody, Charged With Aggravated Battery, Assault of Police Officer  DraftKings Price Target Slashed by One Analyst, Another Sees Disappointing Q4  Planet Hollywood Sale Rumors Swirling, Suitor List Could Be Long  What’s In a Name? Las Vegas Seesaws on “Sin City” Moniker  Former Casino Exec Gamal Aziz Guilty in Varsity Blues Scandal  Philippines to Use Offshore Gaming Tax Revenue to Fund Universal Health Care  Las Vegas Convicted Chip Thief Faces Eight Years Or More In Prison  Shift4 Payments Founder Issacman Places Bets in Space During Inspiration4 Flight