Murphy’s lavish lifestyle is troubling to Binion judge

Friday, March 3, 2000 | 11:46 a.m.

District Judge Joseph Bonaventure Thursday voiced concerns that Sandy Murphy may be living a life of luxury following his order declaring her indigent and entitled to taxpayer funds for her defense on murder charges.

Bonaventure said he didn't like news he received from Murphy's house-arrest supervisor that she has moved into a posh apartment at the Regency Towers at the Las Vegas Country Club.

The judge said he will require a full evidentiary hearing if Murphy and her attorney, John Momot, request additional taxpayer money for legal expenses.

In December, saying he was bound by case law, Bonaventure found that Murphy was eligible for up to $20,000 in taxpayer funds even though she had a private attorney.

Momot told Bonaventure that his client -- who is accused of killing her boyfriend, gaming executive Ted Binion, and stealing his cash and valuables -- had no money of her own. All of her legal fees and living expenses, he said, were being paid by third parties.

On Thursday Momot said: "She's not walking around with money in her pocket."

But Murphy, known to come to court wearing designer clothes, is regularly seen at local gourmet restaurants. Bonaventure has barred her from dining at one upscale eatery, the Aristocrat.

Recently, Murphy was spotted helping her latest benefactor, 81-year-old William Fuller, pick out a new Mercedes. Fuller is believed to be paying most of Murphy's expenses, including Momot's legal fees.

Momot told Bonaventure Thursday that he asked for the public funds to cover exorbitant fees for photos that police are charging him.

"The money is going from one county agency to another," Momot said. "We're not taking any money out of the taxpayers' pocket."