MGCB investigates Cannonsburg school groups, convicted PTC treasurer's role in running poker games

Detroit  -   The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) will investigate the role admitted criminal Shannon Marie Rosales, 35, played in poker fundraising (“millionaire parties”) for Rockford’s Cannonsburg Elementary School and the Cannonsburg Parent Teacher Council (PTC).   MGCB also will investigate both school groups.

“While we recognize the school and PTC are embezzlement victims and are innocent of any criminal wrongdoing, the MGCB cannot allow organizations without proper financial controls to run charitable gaming operations,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director.

Rosales, the former treasurer for the PTC, pled guilty to attempted embezzlement of $21,000 in PTC funds in Kent County Circuit Court. In February 2015, she was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to repay the PTC in timely installments or face 45 days in jail.

Rosales was actively involved in managing Cannonsburg school- and PTC-sponsored millionaire party events. From 2012 to 2014, she chaired and worked at millionaire party events and signed financial statements for some events.

MGCB will examine: 

• The ex-treasurer’s role in the management and/or conduct of the millionaire parties
• Whether the organizations properly managed the millionaire parties and complied with other sections of the law and rules
• Whether the organizations will be eligible for millionaire party licensing in the future

The school and PTC are cooperating with the MGCB investigation.

“Under the state law that authorizes charitable gaming, a qualified nonprofit organization is responsible for managing its millionaire party,” Kalm said. “We must enforce the law to ensure the integrity of gaming in Michigan.”

The Cannonsburg PTC last hosted a millionaire party event March 10-12, 2014.

"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."