Donations to judge criticized

Judy Odierna

Wednesday, May 28, 2003 | 11:14 a.m.

Municipal Court candidate Denise McCurry criticized incumbent Municipal Judge Toy Gregory Tuesday for taking campaign contributions from two strip club owners who are under investigation by the FBI.

Gregory received $5,000 from Mike Galardi and $1,000 from his father, Jack Galardi, who own Cheetahs and Jaguars, two strip clubs that were raided this month by federal and local law enforcement agents.

Search warrants said authorities were looking for documents relating to payments and campaign contributions to several current and former elected officials, including Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald, Clark County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey and former Commissioners Erin Kenny and Dario Herrera.

McCurry said the nature of the investigation into the Galardis presents a concern for Gregory.

"You have an investigation going on with government officials where they may have taken money and where the inference is to exact influence. The concern there is when you have judges, as well, taking money, you have to wonder what it gains you."

She said she was not implying that Gregory is under investigation.

Mark Benoit, co-campaign manager for Gregory, said the money was received before the investigation became public and using Gregory's criteria: that the contribution be from a legitimate business, the giver does not have a criminal conviction or charges pending, and that there is no expectation of favors from the judge.

"To bring it up now reeks of desperation," Benoit said.

Early voting is under way, and Election Day is Tuesday.