A father and son from Michigan, Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, and Shaun M. Bellah II, 24, were sentenced after pleading guilty to charges related to illegal gambling. They reached a plea deal, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
On April 27, 2022, authorities raided two illegal casinos run by the Bellah family in Davison and Burton, seizing 100 gambling devices and cash. Bellah Sr. was sentenced to 24 months of probation, a $130 fine, and other costs, while his son received 12 months of probation and similar fines. The Michigan Gaming Control Board emphasized the importance of enforcing gaming laws, with Executive Director Henry Williams stating, “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of our state’s gaming industry," and adding, "We will continue to work diligently with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to identify and prosecute individuals who seek to circumvent our laws.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the Michigan Gaming Control Board for its work in breaking up an illegal gambling operation, saying, "I want to thank the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their investigative efforts and enforcement of our state gaming laws," she said. "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." Nessel's comments follow the seizure of illegal machines and profits, and the public is urged to report suspected illegal gambling to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Help for gambling problems is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline and other resources on the Michigan Gaming Control Board website.
