Illegal Multi-State Gambling Operation Busted, Operators Plead Guilty

Gambling News - March 8th, 2010 - Written By Glen

The past month has been full of busts on illegal gambling operations. Most recently, two men from Michigan have plead guilty to operating an illegal sports gambling ring.

An attorney from Grosse Pointe Park, John Stephen Shelly, and his associate, David Stronski, were indicted for their involvement in a massive sports betting operation. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, hundreds of thousands of dollars were being generated by the operation.

Shelly, 49, and Stronski, 55, have both plead guilty. Sentencing is scheduled to take place on June 23rd.

The operation had worked from Shelly's law office in St. Clair, as well as bars in Detroit. Over $250,000 dollars were seized already, with more expected to be taken as the investigation continues to unfold.

"Illegal gambling is by no means a victimless crime. The FBI, with the cooperation of our law enforcement partners, is committed to aggressively investigate illegal sports betting and illegal criminal enterprises," said Detroit FBI Special Agent in Charge, Andrew Arena.

The FBI has also been taking a special interest in some of the USA online gambling sites that accept sports bets. Nearly every form of online gambling has been targeted by the United States government, including poker, casino, and sports gambling. Until legislation is drawn to protect online gambling operators, these operators will be open to persecution from the federal government.