Father-Son Crime Duo Handed Down Sentences in Closure of Davison and Burton’s Underground Gambling Operations

DETROIT, Dec. 23, 2024 — Following a collaborative investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General (AG) and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), two individuals charged with operating Davison and Burton storefront casinos were recently sentenced at the 7th Judicial Circuit Court situated at 900 South Saginaw Street in Flint.

Search warrants were executed at The State Road Spot, located at 723 South State Road in Davison, and The Bristol Spot at 1374 East Bristol Road in Burton on April 27, 2022. Officials seized 100 gambling machines, $29,204 in presumed gambling revenue, and 62 gift cards of different values during these raids, resulting in charges against Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, from Davison, and Shaun M. Bellah II, 24, from Highland.

Initially, both faced multiple felonies for operating a criminal enterprise—such as conspiracy to engage in a criminal enterprise, managing a gambling business without a license, and utilizing computers to commit a crime—but they later entered a plea agreement, whereby they both admitted guilt to a high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling structure for profit (a 2-year misdemeanor). Moreover, Bellah Sr. acknowledged guilt to one charge of running a gambling operation without a license (a 10-year felony).

“This case highlights our firm dedication to preserving the integrity of our state’s gaming sector,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stated. “We will persist in our concerted efforts with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to locate and prosecute those who aim to evade our regulations.”

Bellah Sr. and Bellah II were sentenced on Wednesday, December 18. Bellah Sr. received a sentence of 24 months probation and was directed to pay a $130 fine, in addition to $136 in fees and court costs. Bellah II was given a sentence of 12 months probation, alongside a $130 fine and $68 in fees and court expenses.

Judge Richard D. Ball oversaw the sentencing proceedings.

“I wish to express my gratitude to the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their investigative work and enforcement of our state gaming statutes,” remarked Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “In this instance, we collaborated to dismantle a major unlicensed gambling enterprise, seizing 100 illegal gaming devices and substantial amounts of unlawful income. I anticipate our ongoing partnership in combating illegal gambling operations across our state.”

Members of the public can report suspected illegal gambling by contacting the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or sending an email to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov. 

Gambling in any format is intended solely for entertainment. If you or someone you know might be struggling with a gambling issue, please reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Assistance is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Residents of Michigan are also encouraged to visit the Responsible Gaming section of the MGCB website for details on self-exclusion initiatives, including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, along with DontRegretTheBet.org for more resources to gamble responsibly.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is dedicated to ensuring fair and transparent gaming practices to safeguard the interests of the residents of Michigan. Discover more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.