A Ross County woman was sentenced today on charges of operating a gambling house.

Michelle Bennett, 30, of 1500 Rinehart Road, was sentenced to two years community control on one count each of operating a gambling house - a first-degree misdemeanor - and conducting illegal bingo, a first-degree felony.

Before her sentencing, Bennett apologized to Judge Wm. Jhan. Corzine for her actions.
"I'm very sorry about the circumstances I got myself into, and you will never see me again," she said.

Judge Corzine told Bennett she is required to do 200 hours of community service within one year. Bennett also will be tested periodically for controlled substances. Judge Corzine also ordered her to be evaluated by Paint Valley Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board for controlled substances.

Although she will be on what is considered basic probation, Bennett is not allowed to leave Ross County or the state without permission.

Bennett was arrested last September after an undercover police officer uncovered a gambling house known as "Pappy's Palace."

In the police report, Pappy's Palace was described as a craft store in the front and a gambling casino in the back.

In an initial interview with police officers, Bennett admitted the craft store items were just a front to cover up the gambling that was going on in the back.

Bennett claimed the store, belonged to her husband, John Bennett, he was the one responsible for operating the gambling at the store.

In a search warrant, detectives reported they found five gambling machines, eight plastic fish bowls with pull tickets, 37 pull tickets and one plastic drawer containing tickets.

Bennett's husband was sentenced in January on the same charges and also received two years community control along with 200 community service hours.

More information on the negative effects of gambling