Family Ties entangled in Illegal Betting: Father and Son Face Justice

Following a recent collaborative inquiry by the Michigan Department of Attorney General (AG) and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), two individuals charged with managing storefront casinos in Davison and Burton were sentenced in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court located in Flint.

Search warrants were carried out at The State Road Spot in Davison, and The Bristol Spot in Burton on April 27, 2022. Law enforcement seized 100 gambling machines, $29,204 in alleged gambling earnings, and 62 gift cards of assorted values during these operations, resulting in charges against Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, of Davison, and Shaun M. Bellah II, 24, of Highland.

Initially, each faced numerous felonies for engaging in a criminal enterprise, including conspiracy to engage in a criminal enterprise, operating a gambling operation without a license, and utilizing computers to facilitate a crime. However, they came to a plea agreement in which both admitted guilt to one high-court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for profit (a 2-year misdemeanor). Additionally, Bellah Sr. pled guilty to one count of running a gambling operation without a license (a 10-year felony).

“This case highlights our steadfast dedication to preserving the integrity of our state’s gaming sector,” stated MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We will persist in our efforts alongside the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to identify and prosecute those who attempt to bypass our laws.”

The Bellahs were sentenced on December 18. Bellah Sr. received a sentence of 24 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $130 fine, along with $136 in fees and court costs. Bellah II was sentenced to 12 months of probation with a $130 fine and $68 in fees and court costs ordered.