Former Workers of Stony Creek Internet Café Enter Guilty Pleas and Receive Sentences for Their Participation in the Illicit Gambling Activities Case
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Four Washtenaw County citizens who entered guilty pleas at their October 23 and November 14 court hearings in Washtenaw County Circuit Court were recently sentenced for their involvement in an illicit gambling enterprise at a former Whittaker Road company in Ypsilanti Township.
37 gaming machines and PCs, along with $6,012 in cash and gift cards, were seized during a search of the now-closed Stony Creek Internet Café, located at 2040 Whittaker Road, as a result of a joint investigation by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. Charges were brought against Connie Durham, 70, of Romulus, the proprietor of the café. In addition, four of her staff members faced charges for their suspected roles in managing an illicit gaming enterprise.
Making sure that those who make money from illicit gambling enterprises are held responsible for their activities is one of the cornerstones of a fair society, according to MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. Such actions perpetuate a number of social issues and threaten the legal casinos in the Great Lakes State, which support safe, responsible gambling. The Michigan Gaming Control Board will keep up its enforcement of existing legislation and convey the message that gaming without a license is not permitted in the state of Michigan.
Attorney General Dana Nessel of Michigan said that the state’s gaming laws are among the business rules and regulations that his agency is dedicated to enforcing. Nessel is grateful for their collaboration with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and their diligent efforts in opposing these illicit activities that siphon off local governments’ taxes and income.
