Five people plead guilty in connection to illegal gambling operation in Genesee County

GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. – Five individuals recently entered guilty pleas in connection with an illegal gambling operation.

RELATED LINK: More than 50 machines seized from alleged illegal gambling storefront in Mundy Twp.

A joint investigation conducted by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and Michigan Department of Attorney General uncovered that Hot Spot Skill Arcade, located at 5542 Fenton Road, lacked a gaming license and operated 41 computer gaming stations offering casino slot-style gambling—commonly known as “pig” games—on software provided by TS Trading Systems.

The five defendants included in this case and who worked at Hot Spot Skill Arcade are Michael Bixby, 48, of Holly, Jeffrey Ladd, 52, of Ortonville, Victoria Adams, 64, of Flint, Michelle Teall, 58, of Holly, and Courtney Thompson, 57, of Fenton.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation into the unauthorized and unlicensed Hot Spot storefront casino in Flint underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding gaming laws and ensuring fair play,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Thanks to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team, who are such important enforcement partners in these cases, the upcoming sentencing of the defendants on December 2nd will mark yet another significant and successful outcome resulting in accountability and enforcement of gaming regulations to protect the integrity of gaming in Michigan.”

Bixby and Ladd each pled guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license (a 10-year felony), while Adams, Teall and Thompson each pled guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain (a 2-year misdemeanor).

“I am pleased to secure these convictions, alongside the Michigan Gaming Control Board, following our joint investigation,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “This partnership strengthens our efforts to dismantle criminal operations and places of illegal gaming across our state.”

All defendants are due back in 7th Judicial Circuit Court for sentencing on December 2nd.