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
Atlantic City Casinos Post Eight Percent Uptick in April, Internet Gaming Up Big editorial policy.
  1. Casino Union Members Authorize Strike at Eldorado Resorts Property in Florida

Compare Accounts
×
Boyd Gaming Reopening Another 13 Casinos in Early June, Including Nine Las Vegas Venues
Provider
Name
Description
Atlantic City Rebirth Continues With New Boardwalk Housing Options  Ohio House Expected To Vote on Sports Betting Bill Thursday Afternoon  Spanish Gaming Trade Group Head Says Industry is Being Decimated  Circus Circus Reno to Open Hotel Rooms a Year After COVID-19 Lockdown  PointsBet Says Some Talks on Sale of US Biz are ‘Well Advanced’  After Hawthorne Deal in Illinois, PointsBet Still Looking to Grow in Expanding US Sports Betting Market  Sexy Outfits Once Again Seen on Workers at ICE London Trade Show  Wynn Resorts: 548 Las Vegas Employees Tested Positive for COVID-19 Since May  Maloof Brother Accuses Former Girlfriend of Stealing $400K  Mets Rookie Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh Slugger Josh Bell Favored to Win 2019 MLB Home Run Derby