Father and Son Sentenced in Michigan for Running Illegal Gambling Business

Shaun M. Bellah Sr. and Shaun M. Bellah II were sentenced by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Ball last week, after the duo pled guilty to having run illegal gambling operations.

Father and Son Reckon with the Law, Get Away Mostly Unscathed

Sr. pled guilty to one count of conducting gambling without a license, a felony offense that could normally result in up to 10 years in prison, as well as one count of maintaining a gambling house for gain, which could further add two years to the sentence and is treated as a misdemeanor under Michigan state law.

“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of our state’s gaming industry,” said Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Willaims.

However, Sr. will walk away relatively scot-free, having been ordered to serve 24 months of probation and to pay a $130 fine, along with another $136 payable to the court over fees and costs. His son, Bellah II also pled guilty to one count of maintaining a gambling house for gain and was sentenced to 12 months of probation.

He was fined $130 and ordered to pay $68 in court fees and costs. The pair was operating an illegal gambling business at The State Road Spot, 723 South State Road in Davison, and The Bristol Spot, 1374 East Bristol Road in Burton, official media reports and court records showed.

Not an Insignificant Operation

The operation was not insignificant as police officers were able to seize 100 gambling devices from the business, along with $30,000 in suspected gambling profits.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel similarly released a statement in which she described the commitment the state has shown in ensuring that gambling laws are enforced effectively across the Great Lakes State.

“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,” Nessel explained.