Following a recent joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General (AG) and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), two defendants accused of operating Davison and Burton storefront casinos were sentenced in 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Flint.
Search warrants were executed at The State Road Spot in Davison, and The Bristol Spot 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, which 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. But they 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). Additionally, Bellah Sr. 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,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “We will continue to work diligently with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to identify and prosecute individuals who seek to circumvent our laws.”
The Bellahs were sentenced on 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. Bellah II was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a $130 fine and $68 in fees and court costs.
