Corruption trial bares dirty secrets in Las Vegas

Ken Ritter Associated Press May. 1, 2006 12:00 AM

LAS VEGAS - Even in a town where gangster Bugsy Siegel is considered a founding father, showgirls are a way of life and old-timers fondly recall when the mob ran the casinos, the revelations in a political corruption trial have been shocking.

Strip club owner-turned-government star witness Michael Galardi says he tossed bags of cash to put politicians and others in his pocket. And when blue velvet Crown Royal bags stuffed with cash weren't enough, Galardi and prosecutors say, he traded sex, using strippers, dancers and other club employees to keep elected leaders happy.

For six weeks, jurors in the "G-sting trial" have listened to FBI wiretaps, watched videotapes and heard testimony about politicians allegedly taking bribes.

"It's got everything," said Eric Herzik, a University of Nevada-Reno political science professor who has followed the case. "High-level political figures in one of the most high-profile cities in America basically admitting they're taking bribes."

Closing arguments were scheduled to begin today.

Two former Clark County commissioners, Dario Herrera and Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, are standing trial on federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and extortion under color of official right. They could get 45 years in prison if convicted. A third former commissioner, Lance Malone, who also was Galardi's lobbyist, is expected to stand trial in August. All three pleaded not guilty.

A fourth former commissioner, Erin Kenny, pleaded guilty and has testified for the prosecution.

County officials rarely face such scandalous accusations or draw so much attention from federal investigators, but the Clark County