Bail set for man accused in Moulin Rouge blaze

Erica D. Johnson

Monday, June 23, 2003 | 9:45 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.

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

Court documents state that prior to the fire, Caver gave Ball a bag containing a gasoline-type substance, which Ball took to the premises. Caver and the unknown conspirators took the bag into the building and set it on fire while Ball acted as a lookout, according to the 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.