News briefs for August 6, 2003

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 | 9:47 a.m.

Man pleads in drug Internet case

A 45-year-old Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to distribute prescribed drugs over the Internet.

Christian Frederic Finze also agreed to forfeit about $269,000 seized from a bank account and computers he used to unlawfully distribute the drugs, Daniel G. Bogden, U.S. attorney for Nevada, said.

Finze and Joan Davis, also known as Joan Smith, were indicted in federal court in Las Vegas on Dec. 18, 2002. They were charged with various counts of conspiracy, distribution and importing controlled substances.

Davis' case is scheduled for trial on Sept. 22.

According to court documents, Finze, assisted by Davis, distributed prescribed drugs shipped from Germany over an Internet business known as "Vince-Online" and "Vinci American Ltd."

The shipments included 7,200 units of Flunitrazepam, commonly known as Rohypnol or the "date rape drug."

Finze is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 21 before Chief U.S. District Judge Philip M. Pro. Finze remains released on bond. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence will be dictated by U.S. sentencing guidelines.

County manager receives raise

Clark County Manager Thom Reilly received a 2 percent raise Tuesday in addition to having his salary restored after taking a 5 percent pay cut last year.

The Clark County Commission restored the $5,000 that Reilly voluntarily cut from his salary last year because of a county financial shortfall. Reilly said he did not ask for the restoration.

During his annual performance review, the Clark County Commission voted 6-0 to bump his pay. The raise brings his annual salary to $178,200. Before the reduction, he made $176,000.

LV constable gets salary boost

The Clark County Commission voted 6-0 Tuesday to raise the salary for Las Vegas Constable Robert "Bobby G" Gronauer. The $19,138 raise puts Gronauer's salary in line with compensation for other elected officials.

The Legislature this year set compensation for elected officials who serve as department heads, such as the assessor or recorder, at $91,138 annually. Gronauer makes $72,000 a year.

The constable offices serve court papers and enforce court notices and evictions.