Ex-employee’s suit dismissed by judge

Thursday, March 30, 2000 | 10:58 a.m.

A state judge has dismissed all claims against the Becker family by a long-time employee of late Las Vegas developer Ernest "Ernie" Becker.

The employee, Dennis Krum, claims he was told by the family that he could live in a home owned by the Becker family, developer of Arizona Charlie's, for 10 years, rent free, "in consideration for many years of faithful service." Ernie Becker died last June.

Judge Nancy Saitta dismissed the lawsuit Jan. 31.

Krum claimed the family began eviction proceedings after he began complaining that neglect was causing Ernie Becker's health to deteriorate. The Beckers strongly denied charges of neglect -- calling them "outside the pleading and in bad faith" -- and denied any agreement existed to let Krum use the home rent free. Saitta summarily dismissed in October Krum's claim that the eviction was motivated by retaliation over Krum's complaints about Ernie Becker's treatment.

In proceedings, Saitta said she had "no doubt that Mr. Krum felt that he had some form of agreement with Mr. Becker Sr."

However, she said Krum did not have a case without some form of a written agreement.

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