Father, son duo sentenced for roles in illegal gambling sites

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Following a recent, joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan Gaming Control Board, two defendants accused of operating Davison and Burton storefront casinos were recently sentenced in 7th Judicial Circuit Court located at 900 South Saginaw Street in Flint.

Search warrants were executed at The State Road Spot, 723 South State Road in Davison, and The Bristol Spot, located at 1374 East Bristol Road 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 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.”

Bellah Sr. and Bellah II were sentenced on Wednesday, 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.

Judge Richard D. Ball presided over the sentencing.

"I want to thank the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their investigative efforts and enforcement of our state gaming laws,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “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."