The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) would like to remind residents of the state that while legal sportsbooks and casinos pay, crime doesn’t.
To this end, four Michigan residents — three from Macomb County and one from Wayne County — were sentenced for their roles in operating an illegal gambling operation at the aptly named Jackpott’s, located in Sterling Heights. Charges were originally filed against the four in July 2021 by the Michigan Department of Attorney General after an investigation by the office and the MGCB.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board works closely with police agencies and the Attorney General’s Office to find and eliminate illegal gambling operations and the unwanted crime they bring,” Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director, said in a press release announcing the sentencing. “We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity or illegal gambling by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682, and help us stop illegal gambling in Michigan.”
The four sentenced were Sam Daoud, 52, of Sterling Heights; Nadia Daoud 50, of Sterling Heights; Kim Green, 44, of Roseville; and Brian Shufeldt, 42, of Taylor. Both Daouds pled guilty to gambling operations, with Sam Daoud placed on probation for 18 months and Nadia Daoud for 11 months.
Green, who pled guilty to maintaining a gambling house for gain, received six months of probation after serving two days in jail. Shufeldt pled guilty to gambling operations, but only had to pay court and victim costs totaling over $800. The other three also had to cover court and victim costs.
All gambling-related money and other evidence was ordered forfeited to the state. That included $14,212 in cash and gift cards and 35 slot-style gaming computers.
But wait, there’s more
Additionally, Sam Daoud and Shufeldt — along with three others — pled guilty in Genesee County to gambling charges related to operating a second business, Motorcity Jackpott’s in Clio.
On July 18, Andrew Reip, 54, and Christina Reip, 56, of Clio pled guilty to one count each of maintaining a gambling house for gain. They each served a day in jail and had to pay a fine of $550.
On Aug. 18, Peter Yerian, 36, of Owosso pled guilty to one count of maintaining a gambling house for hire, and Sam Daoud and Shufeldt pled guilty to gambling operations. The three are scheduled to be sentenced in Genesee County on Oct. 4.
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