Five Plead Guilty in Flint Underground Gambling Crackdown, Sentencing Scheduled for December

Five individuals have pleaded guilty to charges related to their involvement in an illegal gambling operation at Hot Spot Skill Arcade in Flint. The arcade, located at 5542 Fenton Road, had been hosting unlicensed casino-style games until a joint investigation led to the shutdown of the operation. The defendants Michael Bixby, Jeffrey Ladd, Victoria Adams, Michelle Teall, and Courtney Thompson are set to be sentenced in December, according to theMichigan Gaming Control Board.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams, in arecent statement, noted that the crackdown on the illegal gambling operation reflects the state’s efforts to maintain the integrity of gaming. The upcoming sentencing on December 2 will address the actions of those involved, though the effectiveness of the penalties in preventing similar activities in the future remains to be seen. Williams emphasized the importance of fair play, a viewpoint also supported by Michigan’s top prosecutor. The case highlights the continued presence of underground gambling, with patrons previously using Visa gift cards as rewards for points accumulated on unauthorized gaming terminals.

The charges against the individuals are as follows: Bixby and Ladd face up to 10 years in prison for operating an unlicensed gambling operation, while Adams, Teall, and Thompson each face up to two years for their roles in “aintaining a gambling house for gain,” a felony offense, as reported byMGCB’s accountof the judicial proceedings.

TheMichigan Gaming Control Boardis urging the public to report illegal gambling operations, providing a dedicated hotline and email for tips. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing the continued efforts to address and dismantle unlawful gambling activities with the assistance of state agencies.

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