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
Thailand Integrated Resort Plans Take a Step Forward editorial policy.
  1. Sports Betting Scam Sees Aussie Steal Millions From Investors

Compare Accounts
×
Tokyo Olympics Postponed, Official Reschedule for ‘No Later Than Summer 2021’
Provider
Name
Description
Thailand Integrated Resort Plans Take a Step Forward  Sudden Swing in Game of Thrones Betting Market Sparks Speculation About Who Will Sit on the Iron Throne  Philweb Sells German Operations to Help Buy Back Philippine License  Las Vegas Super Bowl Expected to Deliver Southern Nevada $500M Economic Impact  Dallas Heads to Chicago for Thursday Night Football With the Cowboys a 3-Point Favorite Over the Host Bears  MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren Predicts Osaka Will Be Japan’s First Approved IR Casino Location  Former Nevada AG Adam Laxalt Joins Anti-Internet Gambling Law Firm as Wire Act Fight Looms  Harry Reid Airport Sees Numerous Flights Canceled, Delayed Days Before Christmas  New Hampshire Casino Bill Back from the Dead, Makes Miraculous Recovery in the Senate  Las Vegas Strip Property Values Expected to Soar After Completion of Convention Center, Raiders Stadium