CFO wins license despite failure to disclose DUI

Thursday, May 11, 2000 | 10:54 a.m.

The state Gaming Control Board has approved a license for a Park Place Entertainment Corp. executive, but not before grilling him for his failure to disclose a 1995 drunken-driving arrest.

Scott LaPorta, 37, executive vice president and chief financial officer and treasurer for the company, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, but the charge was reduced to reckless driving. Still, the three members of the board chastised LaPorta for failing to disclose the incident to board investigators when he applied for a license in 1996.

LaPorta apoligized and said he didn't tell investigators about the matter because he was embarrassed. He assured board members, who voted unanimously to approve his application, that he would never repeat his lapse in judgment.

"I'm astounded by your lack of disclosure," said board member Dennis Neilander, "but I'm pleased with what was said here today."

Board Chairman Steve DuCharme said the board deliberately sets its expectations high when licensing officers and that endorsements by other Park Place executives convinced board members to vote for approval.