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Another illegal gambling case in Michigan will receive its sentencing on Thursday, April 6.
After pleading guilty to one felony count of operating gambling operations, Connie Durham, a 69-year-old resident of Romulus, will be sentenced at Washtenaw County Circuit Court. Durham, who was the proprietor of an illicit gambling establishment in Ypsilanti, will now face the consequences of her actions.
Michigan Gaming Control Board and state law enforcement are making a persistent effort to crack down on illegal gambling, with Thursday’s sentencing being the most recent development in this ongoing campaign.
Michigan authorities seized 37 illegal gambling machines in Ypsilanti
Durham was in charge of Stony Creek, a business situated at Suite 5, 2040 Whittaker in Ypsilanti Township.
Durham has been served warrants as a result of an investigation conducted by both the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB.
In total, Durham lost a sum of $6,012 in cash and gift cards, alongside 37 gaming machines and computers that belonged to her business.
“In a press release, Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, emphasized that illegal gambling operations deliberately prey on vulnerable individuals and lack essential safeguards such as self-exclusion programs, verified and sanctioned games and machines, and mechanisms for resolving disputes. Moreover, these illicit operations have the potential to attract additional criminal activities to local communities, such as drug trafficking and human exploitation.”
In August 2022, Durham faced initial charges consisting of four felony counts related to operating gambling operations. Additionally, she was accused of committing two counts of computer-based criminal activities, along with a high court misdemeanor charge for running a gambling house for profit.
On February 7, Durham admitted guilt to one count of operating gambling activities, which is classified as a felony charge.
Multiple employees charged in Michigan illegal gambling operation
In addition to the charges against Durham, four of her employees were also charged.
- Cecil E. Roberson, a 77-year-old resident of Ypsilanti, has been charged with two felony counts related to gambling operations and using computers for criminal activities. Additionally, he faces a high court misdemeanor for maintaining a gambling house for the purpose of financial gain.
- Timothy B. Reardon, a 43-year-old resident of Ypsilanti, has been charged with multiple criminal offenses related to gambling. He is facing four felony counts of operating gambling operations, two felony counts of utilizing computers to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor for maintaining a gambling house for personal financial gain.
- Angela M. Amperez-Lopez, a 35-year-old individual residing in Ypsilanti, is facing multiple charges. These include one felony count for engaging in gambling operations, one felony count for utilizing computers to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor for the operation of a gambling house for personal profit.
- Beverly M. Weatherspoon, a 67-year-old resident of Ypsilanti, has been charged with multiple offenses. These include one felony count of engaging in gambling operations, two felony counts of utilizing computers to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor of operating a gambling establishment for personal gain.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed, “The involvement in illegal gambling hinders the flow of taxes and revenue that would otherwise contribute to the betterment of our communities, including support for our state and schools. I assure you that my office is fully dedicated to enforcing our state’s gambling laws, and I commend the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their diligent efforts.”
MGCB, Michigan law enforcement cracking down on illegal gambling
Over the past year, the MGCB and state law enforcement have been consistently occupied.
Former Flint police chief William Bradford Barksdale entered a plea of no contest to charges of illegal gambling in February.
In addition, during the month of February, a Delta Township raid targeting illegal gambling resulted in the seizure of 36 machines and over $23,000.
In January of last year, Joshua T. Thatcher, a professional poker player, received a 12-month probation sentence due to his involvement in an unlawful poker establishment.
In the month of June, individuals from Michigan were convicted and handed jail sentences or placed on probation for their involvement in an illicit gambling enterprise conducted within Flint.
In addition, Flint played a role in an August operation where an illegal gambling establishment was raided, resulting in the confiscation of over $10,000 and 60 devices.
To report suspected illegal gambling activities, the public can reach out to the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or by emailing [email protected]
