May 11, 2015
Detroit - A 43-year-old Fenton man pled guilty May 7 in 67th District Court, Flushing, to violating Michigan's charitable gaming law and was fined $1,000 and $425 in court costs and fees.
Charged following a Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) investigation, Chad Logan of Fenton pled guilty to a gambling crime related to charitable poker events in 2012 and 2013 at Pocket Aces Poker Room inside Foutch's Pub, 1477 S. Linden, Flint Township. By agreeing to plead guilty to one count of gambling-charitable gaming-receiving commission, four other counts were dismissed.
"We've seen a pattern of corruption that resulted in the permanent closure of three so-called poker rooms in the Flint area," said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director. "The MGCB has pursued charges against several Flint area individuals who victimized charities or operated illegal gaming. Many individuals were profiting illegally from charitable fundraisers, and the MGCB is pursuing several other investigations of possible criminal violations with the Michigan Attorney General's office."
The MGCB and Michigan Attorney General's office investigated Logan for illegally diverting and pocketing funds that belonged to charities while managing or operating millionaire parties at Pocket Aces Poker room in 2012 and 2013.
Cedarville High School in the southeastern Upper Peninsula reported paying non-member Logan for operating events without charity members present, which is a state gaming law violation, Kalm said. Logan also was charged with violating state law for illegally managing poker games on behalf of State Road Elementary School, Fenton. According to Michigan law, only the charity may manage the games.
The MGCB suspended charitable gaming at Pocket Aces Poker Room in October 2013.
Late last year, Shamrock's Internet Café owner Thomas Joubran of Burton and three associates pled guilty to gaming crimes, and millionaire parties were suspended in 2013 at Lucky's Poker Room adjacent to the Genesee Township internet cafe. Joubran was listed as Lucky's millionaire party booking contact.Charitable gaming also was suspended at Gloria's Poker Room, Burton, in 2013 for illegal pay-to-play and kickback schemes following an MGCB investigation.
The three Flint area "poker rooms" -- Pocket Aces, Lucky's and Gloria's ? are among 23 Michigan locations where charitable gaming has been permanently suspended since 2010.
"State gaming laws protect charities and the public, and the MGCB has worked hard to bring charitable gaming practices within the limits of the law," Kalm said.
Michigan citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal gambling to the Michigan Gaming Control Board by calling its 24-hour anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682. The Attorney General's Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Division can be reached at 517-241-0210.
"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."
