Credit scam prompts Black Book nomination

Tuesday, June 3, 1997 | 11:33 a.m.

The state Gaming Control Board, meeting here Wednesday, will consider nominating John J. Conti, also known as John Conte or John Mangi. The state Gaming Commission will have final say at a later meeting.

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.

If Conti, 63, is nominated, he will have 30 to 60 days to answer the allegation and request a hearing before the Gaming Commission.

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

There are now 28 individuals in the book, some associated with organized crime and others who are known casino cheaters.