Defendant in identity suit denies allegation

Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. (We will use your first and last name from your profile.)
Trusted Commenting: Facebook connected users automatically become trusted commenters.

Wednesday, June 11, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

A Las Vegas man who was accused of stealing the name and identity of Anthony Marnell II, owner of contracting giant Marnell Corrao Associates Inc., denied the allegation Tuesday.

A Marnell lawsuit against Vavio Ortega in Clark County District Court alleges Ortega represented himself as Anthony Marnell II, or as Tony Marnell, owner of Marnell Corrao and former owner of the Rio hotel-casino, to obtain "credit and personal favors from individuals who otherwise would not provide ... credit or personal favors to Ortega."

Ortega denied the allegation and declined further comment.