Couple charged with orchestrating illegal sports betting operation

Criminal charges have been filed against a Wayne County couple for their roles in allegedly running a multi-county illegal sports betting operation and filing false tax returns. John Zunich, 70, of Westland, and Ellen Jane Zunich, 68, of Westland, both face felony charges. Attorney General Schuette's Criminal Division launched a joint investigation with the Westland Police Department after receiving a tip from that agency. During the course of the investigation, Schuette's Criminal Division froze substantial assets of approximately $733,162 believed to be derived from the proceeds of the illegal gambling operation. "Profits from illegal gambling can spur related crimes that undermine public safety," said Schuette. "We will continue to work with local and state law enforcement to shut down any illegal gambling operations we may find." The joint investigation found that John Zunich allegedly took straight bets as a bookie between December 2, 2002 and May 1, 2012. Further investigation also established that Mr. Zunich allegedly printed football betting cards at ArtCraft Printing in Detroit, of which he was the owner and operator. It is alleged Zunich would print college and professional betting cards and distribute them across multiple contacts in multiple counties, including Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. While Zunich primarily focused on college and professional football betting, he is alleged to have coordinated bets on college basketball as well. John's wife, Ellen Jane Zunich, is alleged to have handled all of the bookkeeping for both the legitimate aspects of the Detroit printing business and the illegal gambling operation. She allegedly had knowledge her husband took illegal bets as a bookie, and was instrumental in allegedly making gambling proceeds appear as if they were legitimate income. Schuette filed the following criminal charges against John Zunich on Monday, July 29: *?One count of Conducting Criminal Enterprises, punishable by 20 years in prison and/or $100,000 fine; and, *?One count of Failure to File/False Taxes, a 5-year felony and/or a $5,000 fine. Schuette filed the following criminal charge against Ellen Zunich on Monday, July 29, 2013: *?One count of Failure to File/False Taxes, a 5-year felony and/or a $5,000 fine. The defendants were arraigned in 18th District Court in Westland. Both defendants were each released on a $20,000 personal recognizance bond and are scheduled for a preliminary examination on August 26. Published: Mon, Aug 5, 2013

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