Schuette Announces Conviction of Wayne County Man for Orchestrating Alleged Multi-County Illegal Sports Betting Operation

September 10, 2013 

LANSING -  Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced a Wayne County couple have each entered pleas for their roles in running a multi-county illegal sports betting operation and filing false tax returns. John Zunich, 70, of Westland, and Ellen Jane Zunich, 68, of Westland, both entered pleas for felony charges before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David Groner.  Attorney General Schuette's Criminal Division launched a joint investigation with the Westland Police Department and the Michigan Gaming Control Board after receiving a tip from Westland.  

John Zunich pleaded guilty to one count of Conducting Criminal Enterprises (Racketeering), a 20 year felony, and no contest to one count of Failure to File/False Taxes, a five year felony.  Ellen Zunich pleaded no contest to one count of Failure to File/False Taxes, a five year felony.  In a separate criminal forfeiture proceeding, Judge Groner today authorized the forfeiture of $609,000 in Zunich funds believed to be derived from the proceeds of the illegal gambling operation.  The funds will go to the Westland Police Department. 

 "When illegal gambling goes unchecked, it threatens public safety for everyone," said Schuette.

"I would like to thank the Westland Police Department and the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their efforts in this important investigation."

"I want to commend everyone who was involved in this investigation," said Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik.  "This investigation was spread over a seven month period and involved several law enforcement partners.  These type of investigations often lead us to suspects tied to the criminal underground. The Westland Police Department intends to spend these forfeiture dollars towards the enhancement of future law enforcement investigations."

The joint investigation found that John Zunich took straight bets as a bookie between December 2, 2002 and May 1, 2012. Further investigation also established that Mr. Zunich printed football betting cards at ArtCraft Printing in Detroit, of which he was the owner and operator.  Mr. Zunich would print college and professional betting cards and distribute them across multiple contacts in multiple counties, including Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. While Mr. Zunich primarily focused on college and professional football betting, he also coordinated bets on college basketball as well.

John's wife, Ellen Jane Zunich, handled all of the bookkeeping for both the legitimate aspects of the Detroit printing business and the illegal gambling operation.  Mrs. Zunich had knowledge her husband took illegal bets as a bookie, and was instrumental in making gambling proceeds appear as if they were legitimate income.

Both defendants will appear before Judge Groner for sentencing on November 5, 2013 at 9:00A.M.
                                                    

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