Detroit prosecutor demoted for soliciting prostitute in Nevada

Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999 | 10:19 a.m.

Mike Gruskin, a 20-year veteran in the Wayne County, Mich., prosecutor's office, was given a $3,000-a-year pay cut following a 90-minute hearing with his boss, John O'Hair, on Tuesday, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.

Gruskin's annual salary dropped to $83,000.

"The prosecutor conducted the hearing for two reasons," said Dick Padzieski, office chief of operations. "No. 1 the allegations that he solicited the services of a prostitute and No. 2, his actions brought discredit on the whole office.

"He will be reviewed to determine whether any other requirements will be needed," Padzieski said.

O'Hair, who has said he will retire after next year, has taken a strong stance against illegal prostitution while in office.

Gruskin told police the woman stole $500 and his Rolex watch from his hotel room on Oct. 25. He was attending a national prosecutor's convention on domestic violence and told authorities he obtained the prostitute through the bell captain at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks.

Nugget officials denied any involvement and are cooperating with state casino regulators, who are conducting an administrative investigation to determine if any regulations were violated, officials said.

Gruskin said he was under the mistaken impression that prostitution was legal throughout Nevada. Prostitution is legal at brothels in several rural counties in Nevada, but not in the counties encompassing Las Vegas or the Reno-Sparks area.