News Release: Oakland, Jackson County residents sentenced for roles in former Waterford Township illegal gambling operation following state investigation

Michigan Gaming Control Board sent this bulletin at 12/07/2022 10:00 AM EST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Bookmark and Share

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Contact: MGCB-media@michigan.gov

For Immediate Release:

Oakland, Jackson County residents sentenced for roles in former Waterford Township illegal gambling operation following state investigation

Detroit, Dec. 7, 2022 – Two Oakland County residents and one Jackson County resident were sentenced recently in Oakland County’s 6th Circuit Court for their roles in an illegal gambling operation at the now-closed Fortune Internet Café, 3474 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford. Charges were filed June 8 following a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

“An unregulated gaming operation offers no controls to protect the public, often targets senior citizens and low-income areas and can bring unwanted crime to a community,” said Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director. “The Michigan Gaming Control Board and Michigan Department of Attorney General work closely to investigate and eliminate gambling enterprises operating outside of Michigan law.”

Shelly Ann Leinenger, 61, of Pontiac pleaded guilty Oct. 5 to one felony count of gambling operations and was sentenced Nov. 16 to one day in jail with credit for one day, a $1,000 fine and $258 in fees and court costs.

Stacey Lynn Houstina, 52, of Pontiac, pleaded guilty Oct. 5 to one misdemeanor count of gambling house – maintaining for gain and was sentenced Nov. 16 to one day in jail with credit for one day, a $250 fine and $258 in fees and court costs.

Shannon Leigh Molina, 46, of Jackson pleaded guilty June 29 to one misdemeanor count of maintaining a gambling house for gain and was sentenced Aug. 17 to two days in jail with credit for two days, a $500 fine and $258 in fees and court costs.

All gambling-related money and other evidence was ordered forfeited to the State of Michigan. The forfeited items included $3,022 in cash and gift cards, 32 slot-style gaming computers and two standalone slot-style gaming machines.

Judge Michael Warren presided over sentencing.

The MGCB publishes a bulletin on illegal gambling and a fact sheet on unregulated gambling machines on its website.

Anyone may report suspected illegal gambling activity in Michigan by contacting the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or by email at MiGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."