Muskegon man convicted of running an illegal gambling operation

DETROIT, Mich. – An Ingham County Circuit Court jury on Sept. 21 convicted a 46-year-old Muskegon man of conducting an unlicensed and illegal gambling operation in Muskegon two years ago. The felony charge was filed in 2016 following a joint investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The owner of the Triple Cherries Internet Cafe could face a 10-year prison sentence and/or a maximum $100,000 on the felony charge.

James Scott Postema, 46, could face a 10-year prison sentence and/or a maximum $100,000 fine on the felony charge of conducting an unlicensed gambling operation with wagering at Triple Cherries Internet Café, 1930 Apple Ave., Muskegon.

Postema also was convicted on a second felony count of using computers to commit a crime, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. He also is barred from obtaining a license under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

In August 2016, authorities obtained search warrants against Postema and his business, which culminated in a raid of the Apple Avenue location and his home. Law enforcement officers seized currency, bank and credit union accounts, money orders and computer equipment associated with the illegal business.

Postema will face sentencing on Nov. 7 by Judge Rosemarie E. Aquilina in Ingham County Circuit Court.

Posted in: Legal News

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