June 13, 2016
Detroit -- A Bristol, Ind., man was sentenced to pay $1,198 in fines and court costs by Judge Michael E. Dodge in Cass County’s 43rd Circuit Court June 3 after pleading guilty to a felony illegal gambling charge in the Cassopolis court.
Robert G. George, 40, owner of George’s Café, 69595 Sunset Blvd., Union, Mich., was charged after a Michigan Attorney General’s office and Michigan Gaming Control Board investigation led to an early June 2015 raid of his Union business.
“Michigan law does not permit unlicensed, unregulated gambling establishments and the unwanted crime they bring,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director.
George pled guilty March 14 to attempted gambling activities -- a five-year felony -- and was ordered June 3 to pay a $500 fine and $698 in court costs and fees and to forfeit seized property, including $2,351 in cash, $700 worth of pre-paid gift cards and five illegal gaming machines.
George’s employee, Heather Cradolph, 34, of Union, also pled guilty to a one-year misdemeanor count of gambling activities and was sentenced in April to a $175 fine and $125 in court costs and fees.
The investigation began in March 2015 after anonymous tips were received about illegal slot machines at George’s Café, a bar and restaurant in Union, about 45 miles southwest of Kalamazoo.
During the raid last summer, the Michigan Attorney General’s office seized the now-forfeited property after a search warrant was served. The MGCB, Michigan State Police, Michigan Lottery and Michigan Liquor Control Commission assisted with the raid.
The MGCB encourages citizens to provide tips on suspected illegal gambling by calling its 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."
