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McCollum and West allegedly took money from the charities for personal gain or
other illegal purposes, shortchanging charities by leading them to believe some
of the diverted money was helping youth in the community, he said. Under
Michigan law, the charity is required to keep its own records and manage its own
events. The charities were not present for many events handled by McCollum
and West, who allegedly took over events, falsified records and illegally skimmed
profits.
McCollum took proceeds from charitable events affiliated with two Catholic
churches, Blessed Sacrament and St. Francis Xavier, between 2010 and 2013.
He and other nonmembers operated the events instead of the charities
themselves as required by law. The MGCB suspended charitable gaming at
Glorias Poker Palace in 2013 because of multiple gambling violations.
McCollum spent charitable gaming proceeds on a time-share property in Mexico
and vacations. The three larceny by false pretenses charges carry penalties of
five to 15 years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. The
embezzlement count is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $25,000
fine or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater. The 19 state
charitable gaming law violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to six
months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
West, who arranged and operated charity gaming events, is accused of
participating in the scam and allegedly stealing money from Blessed Sacrament
Church, the churchs mens club and rosary altar society, Knights of Columbus
Council 11532 and Kearsley Hockey Boosters while working on events held at
Glorias Poker Palace. The three larceny by false pretenses charges carry
penalties of up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. The 10
misdemeanor charitable gaming law violations carry penalties of up to six months
in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
McCollum and West allegedly skimmed profits from the charities in more than
130 licensed events. The charities were instructed to write checks to The
Renegades travel baseball club and MT Athletics. It is believed McCollum
converted more than $93,000 to his own use. West allegedly converted more
than $15,000 to his own use.
The Catholic charities and the hockey boosters were victims in this case, Kalm
said.
Glorias and two other Flint area poker rooms Pocket Aces and Luckys are
among several Michigan locations where charitable gaming was discontinued
following MGCB investigations. Since 2014, five people associated with Pocket
Aces and Luckys have pled guilty to gaming crimes following investigations by
the Michigan Attorney Generals office and the MGCB. Investigations into
charitable gaming activities are continuing.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed
innocent until proven guilty.
"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."