Suit alleges neglect led to developer’s death

David Strow

Friday, Aug. 6, 1999 | 11:43 a.m.

A long-time employee of the late Las Vegas developer Ernest "Ernie" Becker is suing Becker's family and company, claiming neglect led to Becker's death in June at age 80.

In this week's state court lawsuit, Dennis Krum is trying to win a court order forcing the Becker family to allow him to continue living in a home owned by the Beckers where Krum said he has resided the past 10 years. Krum lived in the Las Vegas home, at reduced rent, as part of his consulting contract with Becker.

Krum claims he was told by son Barry Becker that he could live in the home, rent free, for 10 years "in consideration for many years of faithful service." This agreement was made in February, Krum said, when the Becker family terminated his consulting contract.

But Krum said he discovered that Ernie Becker's health was deteriorating slowly because of neglect, and, when he began complaining about it to the family, he was told that the 10-year lease would be terminated if he didn't stay quiet.

Barry Becker denied Krum's allegations.

"It's our house, and we'd like to use it," Becker said. "Dennis is just a disgruntled employee."

Krum brought the neglect charges to state and county officials in March, but Krum said both agencies declined to take any action.

Jared Shafer, public administrator for Clark County, said he referred Krum's complaint to the state Division of Aging. He was told by the agency recently that after months of investigation, it had determined there was no truth to the allegation and that the state was closing its file.

As public administrator, Shafer has the authority to establish guardianships if there are accusations that people are being abused or neglected and someone needs to oversee their assets or care.

Over his career, Becker developed more than 35,000 homes along Decatur and Rainbow boulevards. He also developed Arizona Charlie's hotel-casino, the Charleston Heights subdivision as well as various parks and shopping centers.

Krum began working as Ernie Becker's administrative assistant in 1981. He claims he was Becker's "confidant on financial, business and personal matters," and provided various personal services for Becker. He received payment of $4,500 a month for his services. In October, Becker suffered debilitating injuries after a fall.

Becker became conscious and aware soon after the accident, Krum claims, and he said he visited his employer frequently in the hospital.

In February, Krum and the Beckers reached an agreement terminating his consulting contract. Krum said he agreed to this on the understanding that he would be allowed to live in the house for free for 10 years. Krum sent a letter to the Beckers requesting that this be put in writing, but the letter was never signed by any member of the Becker family.

Starting in January, Krum said he began agitating to get better medical treatment for Ernie Becker. In his lawsuit, he quoted a California doctor, who allegedly told him: "They are killing him. Get him out of there."

Barry Becker responded by telling Krum that his 10-year lease would be revoked if he continued to complain, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit did not elaborate on Barry Becker's motives, and Krum declined to specify what those motives were.

In March, Krum said he sent an e-mail to about 20 friends of Becker and contacted the government agencies with his accusations of neglect.

Shortly after, Krum said the Beckers barred all contact between him and Ernie Becker.

In June, Krum said he discovered that Becker was no longer being fed, and he began "notifying others in an attempt to save Becker's life," according to the lawsuit.

Becker died June 18. Three days later, Krum said that Barry Becker told him he would be evicted from his home. This was in retaliation for Krum's attempts to warn others of Ernie Becker's condition, according to his lawsuit.

Krum's suit seeks either an order allowing him to live in the Becker home or financial damages.

Sun reporter

Bill Gang contributed to this story.