Ex-casino official arrested

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 | 11:02 a.m.

A former Mirage hotel-casino official was arrested by state Gaming Control Board agents today in connection with a previously reported investigation into the casino's failure to file thousands of required cash transaction reports with the government.

Christopher Morishita, who was the casino's anti-money laundering compliance officer, was charged with failure to maintain proper financial records.

Keith Copher, chief of enforcement for the Gaming Control Board, said today that it was the first time anyone had been arrested on the criminal statute. Normally, enforcement of records maintenance and reporting is a regulatory matter, he said.

Copher said he could not discuss other details of the pending case, including the extent of Morishita's role or whether other suspects are being sought. He said a regulatory investigation of the casino is continuing.

The company could face millions of dollars in fines for failing to file required reports. The currency transaction reports are supposed to be filed each time a player has a cash transaction of $10,000 or more and are aimed at deterring money laundering.