In a clear crackdown on unlawful gaming operations, two individuals affiliated with the illicit casino known as Cellular Bank in Flint, Michigan, have entered guilty pleas. Linos Antonio Kas-Mikha, 52, of Grand Blanc, and Robert Jamerson, 55, of Saginaw acknowledged their involvement in an unlicensed gambling operation on October 16, as reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Their convictions carry a significant message from authorities about the state's firm stance on illegal gambling activities.
With this development, both defendants are facing the consequences of operating a gambling enterprise without the required authorization. "The Michigan Gaming Control Board takes safeguarding the integrity of gaming in our state very seriously," MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams told the Michigan Gaming Control Board's official website. "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," he added. The potential punishments for their crimes — up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to $100,000 — underscore the severity with which Michigan regards unauthorized gambling.
According to official statements, the Cellular Bank case was a result of diligent collaborative efforts between the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB. The gaming operation, once ensconced at 4622 North Saginaw Street, was exposed to harbor standalone slot machines and computers designed for slot-style games, and they even offered remote access gaming via cards with PINs.
The successful convictions align with the public safety priorities of the local government in Flint. "The conviction of those who chose to start an illegal gambling operation in our city, is a win for the people of Flint," said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s official website. "We appreciate the efforts of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and all other law enforcement agencies involved in removing this criminal enterprise from our community and the threat it brings to residents. This should be a lesson to others that those who break the law and prey on our community will be held accountable," he added. In light of the guilty pleas, all additional felony charges against Kas-Mikha and Jamerson were dismissed.
Kas-Mikha is scheduled to face sentencing on November 25, while Jamerson’s sentencing date is set for December 2. Meanwhile, the MGCB is actively encouraging citizens to come forward with information regarding suspected unlawful gambling by contacting them directly or via their email [email protected].
