Racing board sets hearing

Friday, April 18, 2003 | 10:09 a.m.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will begin disciplinary proceedings against the top official at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino because of his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaking operation.

The state commission did not specify its charges Thursday against Jim Rasmussen, but it scheduled a May 15 hearing in Des Moines after finding probable cause that he violated state gambling regulations.

Rasmussen is chairman of the Racing Association of Central Iowa, the nonprofit group that operates the Altoona track and casino.

Rasmussen has not been charged with a crime, but he is one of 55 witnesses called by Warren County prosecutors to tell what they know about a case involving Robert Derryberry of Norwalk, who has been accused in connection with a multimillion dollar illegal gambling ring.

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