Four people, including three from Macomb County, have been sentenced for running an illegal gambling operation in Sterling Heights.
The foursome conducted a slot-machine operation, promoted as an “internet cafe,” called Jackpott’s of Sterling Heights, located on Lakeside Circle, southeast of Hall and Schoenherr roads, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The defendants forfeited $14,212 in seized cash and gift cards, and 35 slot-style gaming computers.
Charges were filed in July 2021 following an investigation by the state Department of Attorney General and the MGCB, officials said.
A similar operation in Roseville was shut down by the state in 2019.
Two of the defendants also recently pleaded to a charge for operating a similar business in Clio.
Sam Daoud, 52, of Sterling Heights, was ordered by Macomb Circuit Judge Michael Servitto to serve 18 months probation and ordered to pay $500 in costs after pleading guilty to one felony count of gaming operations, according to the MGCB.
Nadia Daoud, 50, of Sterling Heights, last month received a deferred sentence of 11 months probation after which her conviction will be dismissed if she complies with conditions. She was ordered by Servitto to pay $700 in costs after pleading guilty to the felony gaming operation charge, court records say.
Kim Green, 44, of Roseville, pleaded guilty to a high court misdemeanor, maintaining a gambling house for gain. She was ordered by Servitto last June to pay a fine of $978 and sentenced to time served in jail, two days, and six months of probation, according to court records.
Brian Shufeldt, 42, of Taylor was sentenced by Servitto in July to $800 in costs after pleading guilty to felony gambling operations, records say
In addition, Sam Daoud, Shufeldt and three others recently pleaded guilty in Genesee County Circuit Court to gambling charges for operating Motorcity Jackpott’s off M-57 and North Saginaw Road in Clio, according to the MGCB. Sam Daoud and Shufeldt both pled guilty to gambling operations for which they are scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 4.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board works closely with police agencies and the Attorney General’s office to find and eliminate illegal gambling operations and the unwanted crime they bring,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity or illegal gambling by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682, and help us stop illegal gambling in Michigan.”
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