The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has declared that five individuals involved in an unlawful gambling setup have been presented with 31 indictments. This announcement follows a collective inquiry by the regulating body and the Department of Attorney General in Michigan.
The aforementioned defendants were arraigned at the 67th District Court and were accused of running illicit storefront casinos. The illegal operation was disbanded in April, when authorities stormed the properties, confiscating multiple items.
The illegal casino establishments were located at The State Road Spot in Davison and The Bristol Spot in Burton. The operation was exposed when authorities conducted a surprise sting operation at the venues, absconding with 100 gambling machines, 62 gift cards, and a sum of $29,204 in cash.
The indictments were drawn up and presented in August and September, as per the declaration by the Control Board.
Arraignment of the Five Individuals Has Taken Place
Defendants Joseph Toporek and Mary Larkin have been indicted with five charges each, which comprise of three counts of operating an unlicensed gambling outfit, one high court misdemeanor addressing running a gambling institution for profit, and an additional count of keeping a gambling house.
Shaun Bellah II, Shaun Bellah Sr, and Ghazwan Brikho are faced with seven charges individually. The charges include five counts of leading a criminal consortium, one count for conspiracy, one count for operating an unlicensed gambling venture, high court misdemeanor addressing running a gambling institution for profit, and an additional count of maintaining a gambling house.
According to local laws, all accused individuals retain their innocence until proven otherwise in a court of law. The arraignment of all the five defendants has proceeded.
Toporek was presented with the charges on August 18, Brikho on August 25, and Larkin on August 26. Afterwards, Bellah II faced a presentation of the charges on September 5 and later, Bellah Sr on September 12. The five defendants secured personal bonds as they await their probable cause hearing.
MGCB Upholds the Defense of the Rights of Involved Individuals
The Michigan Gaming Control Board reiterated the importance of its role in safeguarding the local market against fraudulent activities. The board’s executive director, Henry Williams, quoted:
In our quest to make accountable those who opt to bypass the law, the Michigan Gaming Control Board will maintain a stance that favors fairness, equality, and the premise of innocence until established otherwise.
Henry Williams, Executive Director, MGCB
Williams concluded, asserting that the board operates with sheer integrity and is committed to preserving the rights of all involved parties, adhering strictly to due process.
In a related development, a former employee of Gun Lake Casino in Michigan admitted to pilfering over $84,500 cash over a period of 14 months. Charged with unclogging the casino’s cash-out machines, the man now faces potential imprisonment and fines due to his actions.
