Accused stalker to face trial

Kim Smith

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 | 10:01 a.m.

A 47-year-old man who claims he is resort developer Steve Wynn's half-brother has been deemed competent and is scheduled to be tried in July on charges of stalking and extorting Wynn.

Donald Eugene Phillips was indicted in August on 20 extortion and aggravated stalking charges but has spent the past several months in a mental health facility.

According to grand jury transcripts, Phillips sent 15 letters to Wynn between Sept. 6, 2000, and June 1, 2001, demanding what Phillips contends is his share of an inheritance.

Phillips is also accused of leaving three threatening phone messages for Wynn and sending Wynn's wife, Elaine, a bouquet of flowers.

Phillips was sent to a state mental health facility in Sparks in November so doctors could determine if he understands the charges against him and is able to assist his attorney in his defense.

On Monday District Judge John McGroarty set a July 8 trial date after learning Phillips was found competent.

Neither Chief Deputy District Attorney Abbi Silver nor Deputy Public Defender Liz Quillin would comment on the case.

During grand jury proceedings in June, Wynn told prosecutors he has never knowingly met Phillips.

"I have no known relationship or connection to this human being in my entire life," Wynn said in a brief appearance before the grand jury.

A Vancouver, Wash., homeless shelter case worker said she helped Phillips during a seven-month period in 2000 and 2001.

Christy Morris said Phillips told her he was hiding in homeless shelters from Irish mob members because he had assisted the FBI in successfully prosecuting an Irish Mafia member in Florida in 1996.

"He said Mr. Wynn kept denying that they were related due to the fact that Mr. Wynn was now head of the Gaming Commission and had to keep his record clean and Mr. Phillips had been in prison," Morris said.