[NEWS RELEASE] Two defendants plead guilty in Cellular Bank illegal gambling operations case in Flint

Two defendants plead guilty in Cellular Bank illegal gambling operations case in Flint

DETROIT, Oct. 29, 2024 — As a result of a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), two defendants recently pled guilty on October 16 in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Flint for their roles in operating Cellular Bank, a Flint storefront casino that was formerly located at 4622 North Saginaw Street.

Linos Antonio Kas-Mikha, 52, of Grand Blanc, and Robert Jamerson, 55, of Saginaw, each pled guilty to one count for conducting a gambling operation without a license.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board takes safeguarding the integrity of gaming in our state very seriously,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “The guilty pleas by the two defendants involved with the Cellular Bank case send a clear message that operating a gambling operation without a license will not be tolerated.”

Under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, 432.218, conducting a gambling operation without a license is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $100,000.00, or both. Additionally, the person shall be barred from receiving or maintaining a license for conducting a gambling operation where wagering is used, or to be used, without a license issued by the Board.

“My office works collaboratively with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to shut down illegal gaming venues all across the State,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “We are grateful to see this matter resolved with these convictions, and remain dedicated to enforcing our state gaming laws as a matter of both consumer protection and public safety.”

Felony gambling warrants were issued on Feb. 15 for Kas-Mikha and Jamerson after an investigation uncovered 11 standalone slot machines, like those seen in a commercial casino, and 13 computers used to play slot-style games at Cellular Bank. The business also provided patrons a card with a PIN, allowing them to wager online from offsite locations such as their residences.

“The conviction of those who chose to start an illegal gambling operation in our city, is a win for the people of Flint,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We appreciate the efforts of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and all other law enforcement agencies involved in removing this criminal enterprise from our community and the threat it brings to residents. This should be a lesson to others that those who break the law and prey on our community will be held accountable.”

As a result of their guilty pleas entered, the other three felony charges that Kas-Mikha and Jamerson were each arraigned on — which included two counts for using computers to commit a crime and one count for maintaining a gambling house for gain at Cellular Bank — were dismissed.

Kas-Mikha is due back in court for sentencing on Monday, November 25, and Jamerson is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, December 2.

The MGCB encourages the public to report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the agency at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to [email protected].

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Michigan citizens can also visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to game responsibly.

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. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.