Former Flint police chief avoids trial, pleads no contest in illegal gambling case
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FLINT, MI – A former chief of police in Flint has avoided trial by pleading no contest to charges filed in connection with an illegal gambling investigation.
Brad Barksdale, 70, appeared before Genesee Circuit Judge David J. Newblatt Wednesday, Feb. 8, and pleaded no contest to single counts of attempted gambling activities and reckless use of a firearm.
The plea did not include any form of sentencing agreement, which will remain in Newblatt’s discretion come Barksdale’s April 14 sentencing date.
A message left for Barksdale’s attorney, Brenda Williams, was not immediately returned Thursday, Feb. 9.
Barksdale operated West Point Arcade in Flint and was charged in October 2018 along with two others after Michigan Gaming Control Board Regulation Officers discovered alleged gambling activities without a casino license, according to the attorney general’s office.
The two other defendants indicted in the case, Alvin Crossnoe and his son, Adam Crossnoe, have both been adjudicated through the Genesee County criminal court system.
Adam Crossnoe pleaded guilty to one count of gambling violations-misdemeanor and was immediately sentenced to two years probation.
The younger Crossnoe pleaded guilty to one count of attempted gambling violations, a five-year felony, and was ordered to pay fines and costs.
At a June 2019 preliminary exam, an officer with the Michigan Gaming Control Board outlined part of their officer’s months-long investigation into the operation.
The officer testified she visited the establishment that was allegedly operating as a video gambling parlor more than 10 times between April 2017 and December 2017.
During those months, testimony was offered that she and fellow officers worked surveillance on the employees and ownership as well as the officer playing some of the slot-type games on computer terminals and encountered the Crossnoes and Barksdale.
An undercover video taken on that day was played in court that included Adam Crossnoe showing the officer how to access and play the games as well as describing that the payout would be in gift cards.
Barksdale’s attorney questioned the cards having any cash value when submitted as evidence by Assistant Attorney General Robyn Liddell.
The officer testified she was told by Adam Crossnoe that the cards could be used to purchase items.
Barksdale was originally charged with single counts of gambling activities, using a computer to commit a crime and possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
However, at his Wednesday plea hearing, those three charges were dismissed and replaced with the amended attempted gambling activities charge and the reckless use of a firearm charge.
Barksdale remains free on bond.
