April 27, 2022 was a busy day for the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s illegal gambling sub-unit.
That day, in cooperation with local police and the state attorney general’s office, MGCB agents seized 100 illegal gambling devices of various size and function, $29,204 in ill-gotten gains, and 62 gift cards of varying denominations during raids on two illicit Flint-area gambling parlors, The State Road Spot in Davison and The Bristol Spot in Burton.
On Thursday, the MGCB announced that five individuals had been arraigned on a total of 31 charges in connection with the raids. According to a press release, the following charges were filed in August and September against the aforementioned quintet:
- Joseph Toporek and Mary Larkin are each facing five charges: three felony counts for running a gambling operation without a license and using computers to commit a crime, one high court misdemeanor for maintaining a gambling house for gain, and one misdemeanor for keeping a gambling house.
- Shaun Bellah II, Shaun Bellah Sr., and Ghazwan Brikho are each facing seven charges: five felony counts for conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, running a gambling operation without a license, and using computers to commit a crime; one high court misdemeanor for maintaining a gambling house for gain; and one misdemeanor for keeping a gambling house.
“Accountability is crucial when it comes to upholding justice and ensuring a fair and honest gaming environment in the state of Michigan,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “While the Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to hold those who choose to circumvent the law accountable for their actions, we also acknowledge the importance of fairness, equality, and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. We operate with integrity and our investigators remain committed to the foundations of due process that protects the rights of all individuals involved.”
All five of the accused have posted bond as they await their probable cause hearings, which are scheduled for Sept. 28.
Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
