Credit scam prompts Black Book nomination

Monday, June 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A man convicted of trying to pull a credit scam at the Maxim hotel-casino just off the Las Vegas Strip is being nominated for the Black Book, a list of persons who are barred from Nevada casinos.

The State Gaming Control Board will consider on Wednesday the name of John J. Conti, also known as John Conte or John Mangi, as a candidate for the list of excluded persons.

Michael Wilson, assistant chief deputy attorney general, said Conti was convicted in federal court in Las Vegas of trying to file false credit applications at the Maxim with, unknown to him, an undercover FBI agent.

He was convicted of two counts and sentenced to 11 months and served it at the prison at Nellis Air Force Base. Since the completion of the term, he has been on three years probation, which ends in July.

Wilson said Conti was also identified as an organized crime associate in a report by a U.S. Senate investigations committee and by reports in the media.

Conti qualifies for the Black Book, Wilson said, because of his "notorious and unsavory reputation."

Conti, 63, could not be reached for comment. If the board agrees he should be nominated, Conti will have 30 to 60 days to answer the allegation and request a hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission, which makes the final decision.

If Conti is included, a casino that failed to exclude him could face disciplinary action, even loss of its license. And if Conti was caught in a casino, he could be charged with a gross misdemeanor.

There are presently 28 individuals in the book, some associated with organized crime and others who are master cheaters of casinos.