Man sought as possible witness to Moulin Rouge fire

Jen Lawson

Friday, June 13, 2003 | 11:14 a.m.

Fire investigators said this morning they are looking for a 45-year-old man who may have witnessed the arson fire that destroyed the Moulin Rouge on May 29.

Witnesses told investigators that Fred Lewis Ball, known on the streets as "Bubba," was outside the casino when the fire started. Ball may have information that could help investigators, but he is not being named as a suspect, Las Vegas Fire Department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

"We talked to a lot of people, and his name came up quite a bit," Szymanski said. "He was seen outside the casino, and we figure he might be able to help us, but we haven't been able to locate him."

Ball may be homeless, Szymanski said. Ball is described as a black man with black hair and brown eyes. He is 6-feet 3-inches tall and weighs about 164 pounds

According to court records, Ball pleaded guilty to drug possession in November 1998 and was placed on probation. His probation was revoked in May 1999 and he was given a suspended jail sentence.

Last week fire investigators announced that the blaze was intentionally set. Because of the extent of damage, the Las Vegas Fire Department asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to help with the investigation.

Fire officials would not say what started the blaze, what evidence was recovered or how they concluded the fire was arson.

The Moulin Rouge, Nevada's first integrated casino, had been closed and was undergoing renovations when the fire occurred.

The owner of the casino, Bart Maybie, said he thought the fire was set in retaliation for a recent crackdown on drug activity on the property. In the weeks prior to the fire, Maybie said he had enlisted the help of a better security force and had locked several doors to the former Moulin Rogue hotel -- now an apartment building -- to keep drug dealers out.

Anyone with information as to Ball's whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555 or Las Vegas fire investigators at 383-2888.