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
Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Herrera Arrested for Domestic Violence at Atlantic City Casino editorial policy.
  1. Offshore Asian-Facing Betting Sites Taking Bets on Coronavirus Case Numbers

Compare Accounts
×
Soccer World Cup Not Immune to Match-fixing, Say Regulators
Provider
Name
Description
Encore Boston Harbor Dominating Massachusetts Gaming Industry, MGM Springfield $144M Short of Expectations  Caesars Entertainment Bringing Nobu Hotels and Restaurants to Atlantic City, New Orleans  UK Online Remote Gaming Tax Pump to Pour $1.5 Billion Into Government Coffers  IGT Teams Up with HTC Vive for ‘Virtual Zone’ VR Casino Gaming Experience  Connecticut Cop Faces Discipline For Seeking Bets on First 2021 Murder  Baseball Legend and Notorious Sports Bettor Pete Rose Dead at 83  MGM/Marriott Auction to Program Bellagio Fountains Accepting Bids  New York Jets and 888 Ink First Ever NFL-Online Gaming Tie-Up, Deal Already Ruffling Feathers  Vici Yanks 2020 Guidance, Working with Tenants, But Has Cash for Eldorado Deal  Bye Las Vegas Strip Buffets, Hello Food Halls