Control board files complaint on casino

Thursday, Aug. 20, 1998 | 10:41 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Gaming Control Board has filed a complaint against the Roadrunner Casino Sahara in Las Vegas, accusing it of stopping two blacks from playing the slot machines during a private party at the club.

The complaint also said casino manager Christopher S. Skochenko tried to intentionally mislead state agents about his work card and the gaming license for the club at 2839 W. Sahara Ave. Another count in the complaint said Skochenko and another employee didn't have valid work cards.

"We're still investigating the matter," Michael F. Corrigan, president of Sahara Enterprises Inc., which owns the casino, said Wednesday.

He added he couldn't comment any further on the state's allegations "until we become more familiar with them."

The casino has 20 days to contest the charges and to ask for a hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission.

The complaint, which seeks an unspecified fine, said the Roadrunner held a private party March 13-14 this year and the slot machines were available for play by guests. It said Donna L. Taylor and Lawrence Long Sr., both black, were members of the general public and were stopped from playing the slots and were required to leave the club.

The casino is accused of not requesting or receiving from the Gaming Control Board a special events permit for the private party as required by law. Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Michael Wilson, who prepared the complaint, said this was an unsuitable method of operation.

During a review by state agents on March 14, it was discovered that neither Skochenko and bartender Laura L. Farrell, who makes change for the slot machines, had work permits from Metro Police.

The complaint which was filed Tuesday said Skochenko told agents his work card was at another location but a check of the records showed it had expired May 1, 1996, and had not been renewed. The agents also asked Skochenko to see the casino's gaming license.

Skochenko replied it had been sent out to be framed. The board said the license was activated on March 13 and then placed in the mail, so the club could not have been in physical possession of it.

The conduct of Skochenko "were intentional attempts to mislead agents," the complaint said.

Michael Corrigan is listed as a 33 1/3 percent shareholder in the casino. Adam B. Corrigan and Sean P. Corrigan each hold 33 1/3 percent also.