Michigan Men Plead Guilty in Illegal Storefront Casino Case

Two men who faced felony charges over running an illegal gambling business in Flint, Michigan, recently pleaded guilty.

Investigation Helps Shut Down Gambling Business Without a License

The case involves a 52-year-old Grand Blanc resident identified with the initials L.A.K., as well as a 55-year-old Saginaw resident with the initials R.J. The duo recently pleaded guilty in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Flint to one count each of conducting a gambling operation without a license.

The two men were involved in the operation of unlawful business at a Flint storefront casino called Cellular Bank, located on 4622 North Saginaw Street. The two men faced felony gambling warrants back in February after an investigation led to the takedown of the illegal business.

Initially, the 52-year-old and the 55-year-old men faced three felony charges each, including two counts of using computers to commit a crime, as well as one count of maintaining a gambling house for gain. However, considering that they entered into a guilty plea, the aforementioned charges were dismissed, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) confirmed earlier this week.

An investigation by the MGCB in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General uncovered the illegal gambling venue. At Cellular Bank, the authorities found 11 slot machines, much like the ones found in casinos across the country, along with 13 computers that featured slot-like games. The illegal gambling venue also offered visitors a card with a PIN that permitted them to gamble online from their homes or other offsite locations.

Following the guilty pleas, L.A.K. is expected to appear in court on November 25 for his sentencing. On the other hand, R.J. is scheduled for sentencing on December 2.

Illegal Gambling Will Not Be Tolerated

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley spoke about the importance of combatting illegal gambling, adding that convicting culprits who engage in such unlawful actions represents a win for the state. Moreover, he praised the efforts of the MGCB, as well as other law enforcement agencies that help combat illegal gambling that poses a threat to the public. “This should be a lesson to others that those who break the law and prey on our community will be held accountable,” said Mayor Neeley in conclusion.

“The guilty pleas by the two defendants involved with the Cellular Bank case send a clear message that operating a gambling operation without a license will not be tolerated.“

Henry Williams, executive director at the MGCB

MGCB’s executive director, Henry Williams, spoke about the Board’s ongoing efforts that seek to ensure the integrity of the gambling sector across the state. Last but not least, Williams said that the recent guilty pleas should make it clear that unlawful gambling operations will face strict consequences.

Conducting a gambling operation without the required license is recognized as a crime under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, 432.218. Such crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of no more than $100,000, or in some cases, both.