Father and Son Duo Sentenced in Michigan for Gambling Violations

A father and son tandem have avoided prison time after being accused of operating illegal gambling operations in Michigan. This comes after an illegal gambling ring in Jacksonville, Florida, was busted earlier this week. 

The father and son duo have each been sentenced to probation. 

The Father and Son Sentenced

Shaun M. Bellah Sr., 44, of Davison, MI, and his son, Shaun M. Bellah II, 22, of Highland, MI, have been sentenced to two years probation. The father was also ordered to pay $130 in fines and $136 in fees and court costs. His son, Bellah II, had to pay a $130 fine and $68 in court fees and costs. 

Michigan Circuit Court Judge Richard D. Ball handed down the sentence. 

The case and charges followed an investigation conducted by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and the Michigan Gaming Control Board. 

According to authorities, the Bellah’s operated two illegal storefront gambling outfits. These included The State Road Spot and The Bristol Spot in Davison and Burton, respectively. 

Both are located in Genesee County. 

Both Locations Raided

In 2022, police raided both sites. More than 100 gambling devices, $29,204 in cash, and more than 60 gift cards were confiscated. 

Initially, both men were charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, using computers to commit a crime, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, and running a gambling operation without a license. 

They Submitted Plea Deals

Following a plea deal, the duo agreed to a lesser charge of maintaining a gambling house for gain. The father also pled guilty to a single count of conducting a gambling operation without a license. 

If both Bellah’s complete probation without issue, they’ll avoid more serious penalties. Otherwise, they could land in prison. 

“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. “We will continue to work diligently with the Michigan Attorney General’s office to identify and prosecute individuals who seek to circumvent our laws.”