Bail set for man accused in fire at Moulin Rouge

Erica D. Johnson

Monday, June 23, 2003 | 10:53 a.m.

One of two men facing arson charges in connection with the fire that destroyed the historic Moulin Rouge casino made an appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court this morning.

Justice of the Peace William Jansen set Fred Ball's bail at $25,000 during Ball's initial arraignment. Jansen said he would appoint a public defender to handle the case after Ball told the judge he could not afford to hire a private attorney.

Ball, 45, and John Antwan Caver, 29, face one count each of first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson in the blaze that destroyed Nevada's first integrated casino at 920 W. Bonanza Road.

Caver last week was released from the Clark County Detention Center on a $3,000 bond on a charge of first-degree arson. Since he made bail, the charge of conspiracy has been added, District Attorney David Roger said.

Caver's bail was set based on a schedule used by the jail, Roger said. The rate for first-degree arson is $3,000, he said.

"The judge may have thought this was a particularly heinous crime and that higher bail was justified," Roger said.

It's possible that when Caver appears in court again on July 21, his bail will be increased, he said.

Deputy District Attorney Melissa Saragosa told Jansen that Ball has not entered into negotiations with prosecutors. He is expected to enter a plea when he appears in court on July 8.

"There is no offer at this point," she said.

Authorities allege Ball and Caver acted together to set the May 29 blaze.

Prosecutors allege Caver gave Ball a bag containing a gasoline-type substance, which Ball took to the premises. Caver and unknown conspirators took the bag into the building and set it on fire while Ball acted as a lookout, prosecutors allege in court documents.

Caver, who lives in an apartment complex behind the Moulin Rouge, is expected to appear in court for his initial arraignment on July 21. The pair face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.