4 From Metro Detroit Charged, Accused Of Running Illegal Gambling Ring: Sheriff

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Four Macomb County residents were charged in connection with an illegal gambling operation, according to the sheriff's office.

Mirela Deda, 53, of Sterling Heights, was charged with a count of conducting an illegal gambling operation (10-year felony), conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling activities (5-year felony) and maintaining a gambling house (high misdemeanor).

Alban Hulaj, 33, of Clinton Township, was charged with conducting an illegal gambling operation and conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling activities.

Trifon Mone, 57, of Sterling Heights and Alban Preka, 43, of Washington Township were each charged with conducting an illegal gambling operation, conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling activities, maintaining a gambling house and permitting gambling apparatus on the premises (one-year misdemeanor).

Deda and Hulaj were scheduled to appear in court next Tuesday, while Mone was scheduled for Friday and Preka for Sept. 9.

Officers made the arrests while executing search warrants at multiple Macomb County sites suspected of housing illegal gambling operations, the sheriff's office said.

Last Monday, officers raided the Floral Cafe on 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township, a home in the 43900 block of Elm Drive in Sterling Heights and another residence in the 18500 block of Valleybrook Lane in Clinton Township, the sheriff's office said.

During the search, officers seized five gambling machines, a vehicle and more than $5,000 in cash, the sheriff's office said. They also arrested Deda and Hulaj.

Last Tuesday, officers raided the Kelmendi Cafe on Hayes Road in Macomb Township and a home in the 13800 block of 29 Mile Road in Washington Township, the sheriff's office said.

During the search, officers seized five gambling machines, two vehicles and more than $12,000 in cash, the sheriff's office said. Officers also arrested Mone and Preka.