Two defendants accused of operating Davison and Burton storefront casinos were recently sentenced in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, located at 900 Saginaw Street in Flint, following a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General (AG) and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
Shaun M. Bellah Sr., Shaun M. Bellah II had charges filed against them for operating illegal casinos in Michigan
According to the MGCB’s news release, search warrants were executed at The State Road Spot, 723 South State Road in Davison, and The Bristol Spot, located at 1374 East Bristol Road in Burton on April 27, 2022.
Authorities confiscated 100 gambling devices, $29,204 in suspected gambling profits, and 62 gift cards of varying denominations during those raids. This ultimately led to charges filed against Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, of Davison, and Shaun M. Bellah II, 24, of Highland.
Each initially faced several felonies for conducting a criminal enterprise, including conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, running a gambling operation without a license, and using computers to commit a crime.
However, the individuals reached a plea agreement during which they both pled guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain (a 2-year misdemeanor). Bellah Sr. also pled guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license (a 10-year felony).
“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of our state’s gaming industry,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We will continue to work diligently with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to identify and prosecute individuals who seek to circumvent our laws.”
Bellah Sr. was sentenced to 24 months of probation, Bellah II was sentenced to 12 months of probation
Furthermore, Bellah Sr. and Bellah II were sentenced on Wednesday, December 18. Bellah Sr. was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay a $130 fine, along with $136 in fees and court costs.
Meanwhile, Bellah II was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a $130 fine and $68 in fees and court costs. Judge Richard D. Ball presided over the sentencing.
“I want to thank the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their investigative efforts and enforcement of our state gaming laws,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
“Here we partnered to dismantle a significant unlicensed gambling operation, seizing 100 illegal gaming machines and thousands of dollars in illicit profits. I look forward to continuing our collaboration to combat criminal gambling enterprises throughout our state.”
There are currently 41 licensed casinos in Michigan: three commercial, 23 tribal, and 15 online casinos. The largest retail casino in the Wolverine State is Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, with 210,000 square feet of gaming space.
Of course, gamblers can report alleged illegal gambling operators by contacting the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to [email protected].
