Former Stony Creek Internet Café employees plead guilty to charges, sentenced for roles in illegal gambling operations case

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DETROIT, Nov. 17, 2023 — Four Washtenaw County residents were recently sentenced for their roles in an illegal gambling operation at a former Whittaker Road business in Ypsilanti Township, following guilty pleas entered during court appearances that took place on Oct. 23 and Nov. 14 in Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

Following a joint investigation by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, a search of the now-closed Stony Creek Internet Café, located at 2040 Whittaker Road, resulted in the confiscation of 37 gaming machines and computers, along with $6,012 in cash and gift cards. The café’s owner, Connie Durham, 70, of Romulus, had charges filed against her. Four of her employees were also charged for their involvement in running an alleged illegal gambling operation.

“One of the pillars of a just society is ensuring that those who profit from illegal gambling operations are held accountable for their actions,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Such activities undermine the regulated industry that promotes safe, responsible gaming and perpetuate a host of societal problems. The Michigan Gaming Control Board will continue to enforce established laws and send the message that illegal gambling will not be tolerated in the state of Michigan.”

Sentences were handed down to three of the four former Stony Creek Internet Café employees on Oct. 23 as follows:

• Cecil E. Roberson, 77, of Ypsilanti was charged with two felony counts of gambling operations and using computers to commit a crime, and a high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain. He pled guilty to the high court misdemeanor and was sentenced to community service and ordered to pay $125 in court costs and fines.

• Angela M. Amperez-Lopez, 36, of Ypsilanti was charged with one felony count of gambling operations, one felony count of using computers to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain. She pled guilty to the high court misdemeanor and was sentenced to community service and ordered to pay $198 in court costs and fines.

• Beverly M. Weatherspoon, 67, of Ypsilanti was charged with one felony count of gambling operations, two felony counts of using computers to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain. She pled guilty to the high court misdemeanor and was sentenced to community service and ordered to pay $198 in court costs and fines.

Additionally,the fourth defendant, Timothy B. Reardon, 43, of Ypsilanti, was charged with four felony counts of gambling operations, two felony counts of using computers to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain. He pled guilty to one count of attempted gambling operations and was sentenced on Nov. 14 to one year of probation and ordered to pay $198 in court costs and fines.

“My department remains committed to upholding Michigan’s business rules and regulations, and that includes our state’s gambling laws,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I appreciate our partnership with the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and for their hard work in combatting these illegal operations which divert taxes and revenue from our communities.”

Durham was originally charged in August 2022 with four felony counts of gambling operations, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and one high court misdemeanor charge of maintaining a gambling house for gain. She pled guilty on Feb. 7 to a single felony charge of gambling operations and was sentenced to one year of probation and 50 hours of community service on April 4.

The public can report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If someone has a gambling problem, please call the state's 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-270-7117 or the MGCB's responsible gaming section at 1-888-223-3044. Visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to game responsibly.

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. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.