Landreth picked for federal judge

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

Saying she has "star quality," Sen. Harry Reid announced today he is recommending U.S. Attorney Kathryn Landreth as Nevada's first female U.S. district judge.

Landreth, 47, is being nominated to replace Chief U.S. District Judge Lloyd George, who is taking senior status so a full-time successor can be appointed to help relieve a heavy caseload in Las Vegas.

Reid, in a news conference on the steps of the Foley Federal Building, also announced that he is recommending Clark County Deputy District Attorney Victoria Villegas as Landreth's successor.

Villegas, a 37-year-old immigrant from the Philippines, has been with the district attorney's Major Violators Unit since 1994.

"Victoria is an example that America still is a land of opportunity," Reid told reporters.

Reid said both nominations are being forwarded to the White House for President Clinton's consideration and that he hoped both would be confirmed by the Senate by the first of the year.

Landreth called the overburdened federal judges in Nevada "the finest in the nation" and said her nomination is a "tremendous honor."

Landreth was appointed as Nevada's first female U.S. attorney in 1993.

Since then, Reid said, she has developed "star quality" and has earned the respect of federal judges here.

"Kathryn has proven herself as a tough and effective prosecutor," Reid said in a prepared statement. "Her reputation speaks for itself. She is a smart, dynamic woman who would be an asset to Nevada as a federal judge."

When Landreth took over the reins of the U.S. attorney's office nearly four years ago, she came with a wealth of experience in corporate law, but none in criminal law.

Her tenure the past four years, however, has been marked by significant criminal cases.

Landreth's office prosecuted the three men who kidnapped Kevyn Wynn, the daughter of Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn.

Working hand in hand with the FBI, prosecutors under her direction also put a halt to a rash of violent gang-related casino robberies on the Strip. Key Los Angeles gang members responsible for the robberies were prosecuted and sent to prison.

In December 1995, Landreth coordinated a news conference in Las Vegas with Attorney General Janet Reno, announcing a major nationwide telemarketing crackdown.

In April, Landreth announced a new crackdown on traditional organized crime with the racketeering indictments of nine reputed Los Angeles and Buffalo mobsters.

Reid, meanwhile, praised Villegas, who has lived in Las Vegas the past 17 years, as a "leading force" in the battle against gangs and drugs.

"Her integrity, intelligence and years of experience make her an outstanding candidate for U.S. attorney," Reid said.

George, 67, has been on the federal bench since 1984. Last month, George said he planned on being an active senior judge.