Operators of Illegal Casino in Flint Receive Sentences  

They were sentenced in the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee County by Judge Elizabeth A. Kelly, who handed them lighter sentences after their guilty pleasImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Yesterday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board(MGCB) announced the sentencing of two individuals who operated an illegal gambling denin the state. The duo pleaded guilty and received a more lenient sentence.

The Illegal Casino Posed as a Store

The two people in question are Linos Antonio Kas-Mikha, 52, of Grand Blanc, and Robert Jamerson, 55, of Saginaw. They were accused of conducting an illegal gambling operation located in Flint.

The investigation of the illegal gambling operation began approximately a year ago and was conducted by the MGCB and the Michigan Department of Attorney General. In February 2024, the authorities raided the unlicensed venue, which was located in the back of the Cellular Bankstore on 4622 North Saginaw Street.

The authorities found and seized 11 slot machines, as well as 13 computersused to run similar games. They also understood that the business had been providing its patrons with PIN cardsthat allowed them to gamble remotely.

The Defendants Were Sentenced to a Year of Probation

In October 2024, Kas-Mikha and Jamerson pleaded guilty to one count each of conducting a gambling operation without a license. They were sentenced in the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee Countyby Judge Elizabeth A. Kelly, who handed them lighter sentences after their guilty pleas.

As reported by the MGCB, the two men involved in the illegal gambling operation in Flint received the following sentences:

• Kas-Mikha received 12 months of probation and was slapped with a $1,448 fine
• Jamerson was sentenced to 12 months of probation and granted three days of jail credit

Thanks to their pleas, the defendants had three additional felony charges dismissed. These included two counts of using computers to commit crime, as well as a single count of maintaining a gambling house for profit.

Gambling Crime Will Not Go Unpunished

The MGCB’s executive director, Henry Williams, commented on the matter, warning that the board will continue to hold gaming in Michigan to high standards and crack down on crime. He emphasized that other wrongdoers must know that their illegal operations will not be overlooked.

The sentencing of these two defendants for their involvement in running an illegal gambling operation at Cellular Bank sends a clear message that unlicensed gambling enterprises will not be tolerated.

Henry Williams, exec director, MGCB

Williams thanked the Attorney General’s office for its incredible support during the investigation and prosecution of the illegal den.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeleyalso weighed in on the matter, saying that the recent case underscores the importance of protecting the public from harmful illicit activities that ngake advantage of vulnerable community members.

Flint is committed to supporting efforts that uphold the rule of law and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. I commend the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Attorney General’s Office for their diligent work in ensuring justice is served.

Mayor Sheldon Neeley

In the meantime, the MGCB encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity that might be related to illegal gambling.