May 12, 2016
Detroit – Two Flint residents were arraigned May 5 in 67th District Court, Flint, on multiple felony and high court misdemeanor charges for allegedly conducting an illegal gambling operation last year at an internet café adjacent to the bingo hall at Ben Agree Hall, 3549 S. Dort Highway, Flint.
Charges were filed against David M. Slaughter, 60, and Beverly D. Davis, 41, after investigators from the Attorney General’s Office and the MGCB found more than 40 slot-style gaming terminals inside the bingo hall’s café area in 2015. The location was operated as an illegal slot machine parlor.
“Our investigators documented illegal gambling inside the internet café during multiple visits between early July and November, which led to the charges,” said MGCB Executive Director Richard Kalm. “The investigation began after two anonymous tips were received from the public, and we appreciate their help in identifying and stopping illegal gambling operations.”
The terminals were seized in November by investigators from the Michigan Attorney General’s office, Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan Lottery and Michigan State Police. The hall’s website urged bingo patrons to “come early and play the slots at the Internet Café, which is open seven days a week.”
Slaughter faces 10 felony and five high court misdemeanor charges:
Davis was charged with six felony and three high court misdemeanor charges:
Bond was set at 10 percent of $5,000 on each count for both suspects. Both are scheduled to return May 17 to 67th District Court for probable cause conferences before Judge Nathaniel C. Perry III.
A charge is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Michigan citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal gambling by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour 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."
