Three individuals have been sentenced in Michigan for their roles in running an illegal gambling operation, following a joint investigation by the Department of Attorney General and the Gaming Control Board.
The residents of the state each pled guilty for their part regarding the operation, at the now-closed Fortune Internet Café, in the latest similar such action taken in the region.
All gambling-related money and other evidence was ordered to be forfeited to the state, with this including items such as $3,022 in cash and gift cards, 32 slot-style gaming computers and two standalone slot-style gaming machines.
In Oakland County’s 6th Circuit Court, Shelly Ann Leinenger admitted one felony count of gambling operations and was sentenced to one day in jail with credit for one day, a $1,000 fine and $258 in fees and court costs.
Stacey Lynn Houstina pled guilty to one misdemeanour count of gambling house – maintaining for gain and was sentenced 1to one day in jail with credit for one day, a $250 fine and $258 in fees and court costs.
Finally, Shannon Leigh Molina confessed to one misdemeanour count of maintaining a gambling house for gain and was sentenced 17 August to two days in jail with credit for two days, a $500 fine and $258 in fees and court costs.
“An unregulated gaming operation offers no controls to protect the public, often targets senior citizens and low-income areas and can bring unwanted crime to a community,” said Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board and Michigan Department of Attorney General work closely to investigate and eliminate gambling enterprises operating outside of Michigan law.”
In September, four individuals were sentenced in Michigan for their roles in running an illegal gambling operation following a similar joint investigation. Items returned to the state included $14,212 in seized cash and gift cards and 35 slot-style gaming computers.
