Special hearing set to decide fate of Galardi clubs

Monday, Nov. 10, 2003 | 9:30 a.m.

Clark County will hold a special hearing Friday to determine the fate of the strip clubs held by Michael Galardi after his indictment and guilty pleas for corruption of public officials.

Originally scheduled for Nov. 25, Clark County will post the agenda for a special hearing of the Clark County Commission for Friday at 9 a.m. The seven commissioners, including Chairwoman Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, can decide either to revoke the license altogether or allow Galardi to transfer the license to his father, Jack Galardi.

"The choice is theirs," County Manager Thom Reilly said.

Federal prosecutors released details of Michael Galardi's plea agreement Friday in which he admitted funneling money to politicians including former Commissioner Erin to gain influence. He admitted to a single charge of racketeering.

Former Clark County Commissioners Lance Malone and Dario Herrera, and sitting Kincaid-Chauncey, also face indictment.

Michael Galardi has reportedly already transferred the assets of the company to his father, who also has run strip clubs. To operate the club, however, the owner needs a license approved by the county.

The Las Vegas City Council last week set a Jan. 7 hearing to decide whether to revoke the tavern license held by the club's holding company, La Fuente Inc.

Galardi pleaded guilty Sept. 8 in San Diego to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from government charges that he tried to bribe three San Diego City Council members, no longer owns any interest in Cheetahs, said Dominic Gentile, lawyer for Jack Galardi, last week.

He said Michael Galardi already has been barred from the premises of Cheetahs.

Gentile did not immediately return calls this morning.