Father, son sentenced for illegal gambling operations in Genesee County

FLINT, MI – Two men were sentenced for their roles in operating storefront casinos in Davison and Burton in 2022, Michigan Gaming Control Board officials announced.

Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, and Shaun M. Bellah II, 24, were sentenced by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Ball on Dec. 18.

Bellah Sr. pleaded guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license, a 10-year felony, and one count of maintaining a gambling house for gain, a two-year misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay a $130 fine, along with $136 in fees and court costs.

Bellah II pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a gambling house for gain, a two-year misdemeanor. Bellah II was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a $130 fine and $68 in fees and court costs.

The two originally faced several felonies for allegedly conducting a criminal enterprise, running a gambling operation without a license and using computers to commit a crime.

The father-son duo was accused of operating The State Road Spot, 723 South State Road in Davison, and The Bristol Spot, 1374 East Bristol Road in Burton.

Authorities confiscated 100 gambling devices and nearly $30,000 in suspected gambling profits during search warrant executions at the two locations, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of our state’s gaming industry,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement.

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

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