Father, son sentenced for roles in illegal gambling sites in Genesee Co.

GENESEE CO., Mich. (WNEM) – A father and son were both sentenced after being accused of operating illegal gambling sites in Genesee County.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said charges were filed against 44-year-old Shaun M. Bellah Sr., of Davison, and 24-year-old Shaun M. Bellah II, of Highland, after search warrants were executed at two locations in Burton and Davison, leading to the confiscation of 100 gambling devices, $29,204 in suspected gambling profits, and 62 gift cards.

Bellah Sr. and Bellah II were both facing several felonies, including conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, running a gambling operation without a license, and using computers to commit a crime, but they reached a plea agreement. They both pleaded guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain, which is a 2-year misdemeanor, MGCB said.

Bellah Sr. also pleaded guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license, which is a 10-year felony.

Bellah Sr. was sentenced to 24 months probation and was ordered to pay a $130 fine and $136 in court costs. Bellah II was sentenced to 12 months probation and was ordered to pay a $130 fine and $68 in court costs.

If you want to report illegal gambling, contact MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or email them at MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

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