Contact: Kelly Rossman-McKinney 517-335-7666Agency: Attorney General
Detroit, February 13, 2020 — An Ohio woman faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly conducting unlicensed gambling operations between July and November 2018 in Flint Township and Kentwood following a joint investigation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, the Michigan Gaming Control Board and police departments in Flint Township and Kentwood.
Evelyn Deitz-Smith, 52, of Sidney, Ohio, was arraigned Jan. 15, 2020, in Lansing 54A District Court by Judge Stacia J. Buchanan on two felony counts of running a gambling operation without a license, two felony counts of using computers to commit a crime and two misdemeanor counts of keeping a gambling house. The alleged activities occurred at Evelyn's Arcade, 1493 Linden Road, Flint Township, and Big Winners Skill Café, 5246 Eastern Ave. S.E., Kentwood. Both locations closed in late November 2018.
More on Michimich.com
"Illegal gambling operations can lead to other serious crimes," said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director. "In general, people are cheated, and the money earned by these facilities funds organized crime. We urge Michigan citizens to report suspected illegal gambling to local authorities or to our agency."
The locations were investigated beginning in July 2018 after authorities received allegations of illegal gambling there. Both sites claimed to offer patrons "skill-based games" under Michigan's redemption statute, but investigators determined the games did not comply with the statute and were instead games of chance.
"Law enforcement is often a team effort, and I'm proud of the collaborative work done by our partners at the Michigan Gaming Control Board and local police departments in Flint Township and Kentwood," Nessel said. "When bad actors violate the law, it is our duty to hold them accountable – it's as simple as that."
More on Michimich.com
Two of the felony charges allege Deitz-Smith conducted a gambling operation where wagering was used without an MGCB-issued license. These charges each carry a penalty of 10 years and/or a $100,000 fine and bar anyone convicted from receiving or maintaining a gaming license. The other two felony charges of using a computer to commit a crime call for a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or a $10,000 fine. The misdemeanor charges each carry a one-year sentence or a $1,000 fine.
Deitz-Smith was released on $7,000 personal bond. Her case is scheduled for a preliminary exam at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2020 in 54A District Court in Lansing
Michigan residents are urged to report illegal or suspicious gambling activity by calling the MGCB's anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682.
"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."
Detroit, February 13, 2020 — An Ohio woman faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly conducting unlicensed gambling operations between July and November 2018 in Flint Township and Kentwood following a joint investigation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, the Michigan Gaming Control Board and police departments in Flint Township and Kentwood.
Evelyn Deitz-Smith, 52, of Sidney, Ohio, was arraigned Jan. 15, 2020, in Lansing 54A District Court by Judge Stacia J. Buchanan on two felony counts of running a gambling operation without a license, two felony counts of using computers to commit a crime and two misdemeanor counts of keeping a gambling house. The alleged activities occurred at Evelyn's Arcade, 1493 Linden Road, Flint Township, and Big Winners Skill Café, 5246 Eastern Ave. S.E., Kentwood. Both locations closed in late November 2018.
More on Michimich.com
- New Viruses Create Urgent Need for Fresh Flight product
- Tarps Now Expands Capacity Supporting Manufacture and Rapid On-Site Deliveries of Heavy Duty Tarps
- Michigan: Nessel Urges Federal Court to Uphold Orders that Support State's Investments in Clean Energy
- New Version of HLN's Award Winning Open Source Immunization Forecaster Released
- Michigan: Nessel Urges Federal Court to Uphold Orders that Support State's Investments in Clean Energy
"Illegal gambling operations can lead to other serious crimes," said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director. "In general, people are cheated, and the money earned by these facilities funds organized crime. We urge Michigan citizens to report suspected illegal gambling to local authorities or to our agency."
The locations were investigated beginning in July 2018 after authorities received allegations of illegal gambling there. Both sites claimed to offer patrons "skill-based games" under Michigan's redemption statute, but investigators determined the games did not comply with the statute and were instead games of chance.
"Law enforcement is often a team effort, and I'm proud of the collaborative work done by our partners at the Michigan Gaming Control Board and local police departments in Flint Township and Kentwood," Nessel said. "When bad actors violate the law, it is our duty to hold them accountable – it's as simple as that."
More on Michimich.com
- SAM9000 AI Project Management App adds Document and Email Management, now available in full release
- Sterling Heights to celebrate Memorial Day with Annual Parade on May 25
- Sterling Heights: Applications now available for the 2020 Sterlingfest Arts & Crafts Show
- Michigan: Open house to discuss upcoming M-204 bridge work in Lake Leelanau
- WorkTruckCert celebrates anniversary with enhanced data integration model
Two of the felony charges allege Deitz-Smith conducted a gambling operation where wagering was used without an MGCB-issued license. These charges each carry a penalty of 10 years and/or a $100,000 fine and bar anyone convicted from receiving or maintaining a gaming license. The other two felony charges of using a computer to commit a crime call for a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or a $10,000 fine. The misdemeanor charges each carry a one-year sentence or a $1,000 fine.
Deitz-Smith was released on $7,000 personal bond. Her case is scheduled for a preliminary exam at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2020 in 54A District Court in Lansing
Michigan residents are urged to report illegal or suspicious gambling activity by calling the MGCB's anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682.
"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."
0 Comments
Latest on Michimich.com
- Zezgo Rent A Car today announce the imminent opening of two branches in Jordan as the rollout of the new premium brand
- Amigo Events Announce Traditional Goan Carnival Event in London
- Wave Crest, Royal Flemish, Mt. Washington, art glass and more at Woody Auction on Saturday, March 14
- Miller & Miller's February 8th auction in Canada was packed with Canadiana, pottery, folk art, more
- National Retail Solutions (NRS) and City Harvest are Partnering to Help NYC Businesses Grow!
- Lil David Ruffin Releases the Official Music Video Trailer for the Single, "Send For Me"
- Michigan: A public hearing to consider the possible parole of Raymond Pressley, #195917
- BiKi's Ethan Ng Addresses FOMO Over BTC USD10K Breach
- Michigan: MDARD Accepting Nominations for Food and Ag Exporter of the Year, Rising Star Awards
- Michigan: Update: M-54 (Dort Highway) signal upgrades in Genesee County start Feb. 18
- Michigan: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to 26th and 30th Circuit Courts
- Michigan: Governor Whitmer Appoints David Alade to the International Authority
- New Report Shows Michigan Improving Toward Postsecondary Goal, Highlights Need to Pass Bipartisan Michigan Reconnect Legislation
- A.R. Rahman Begins Recording "Hands Around the World" song to fundraise against climate change, in Los Angeles
- Wendy Alton – Divorce Attorney Gets Certified in Collaborative Divorce Law in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Winners Circle is Latest Minority-owned Dealership to Open Through FCA Investment Program
- Califia and the Timeless Sentries Episode II "Legacies" Streaming Now on YouTube!
- Michigan: MDARD Announces Public Meetings Regarding New Bovine TB Zoning Order
- Michigan: Nessel Praises Fentanyl-related Compounds Classification, Calls on Congress to Make Permanent
- Michigan: Treasury: Sales, Use and Withholding Tax Annual Return Deadline in Two Weeks