Jackson County Residents Sentenced for Illegal Waterford Township Gambling Operation
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The 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County recently handed down sentences to two citizens of Oakland County and one of Jackson County for their participation in an unlawful gambling business at the now-defunct Fortune Internet Café at 3474 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. Following a collaborative investigation by the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Michigan Department of Attorney General, charges were brought on June 8.
According to Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), an uncontrolled gaming business offers no safeguards to protect the public, frequently targets older residents and low-income regions, and can bring unwelcome crime to a town. Investigating and closing down gaming establishments that break Michigan law is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
On October 5, Pontiac resident Shelly Ann Leinenger, 61, entered a plea of guilty to one felony count of running a casino. She received a sentence of one day in jail with one day’s credit, a $1,000 fine, as well as $258 in penalties and court costs on November 16.
On October 5, Stacey Lynn Houstina, 52, of Pontiac, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a casino for profit. She received a sentence of one day in jail with one day’s credit, a $250 punishment, as well as $258 in penalties and court costs on November 16.
After entering a plea of guilty on June 29 to one misdemeanor count of operating a gambling establishment for profit, Shannon Leigh Molina, 46, of Jackson, was given a sentence on August 17 that included two days in jail with two days’ worth of credit, a $500 fine, and $258 in fines and court expenses.
A forfeiture order was issued to the State of Michigan for all gambling-related funds and other evidence. The forfeited items included 32 slot-style gaming PCs, two freestanding slot-style gambling machines, and $3,022 in cash and gift cards. Michael Warren, a judge, oversaw the ruling.
