Charges dropped in Moulin Rouge fire

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003 | 9:49 a.m.

Arson and conspiracy charges were dropped Tuesday against a Las Vegas man accused of setting a fire that destroyed the historic Moulin Rouge, court officials said.

John Antwan Caver, 29, nicknamed "Antman," could still face federal charges or be charged again if further evidence is discovered, officials said.

U.S. attorney's office spokeswoman Natalie Collins said Tuesday that no federal charges had been filed against Caver or alleged accomplice Fred Ball.

Officials had alleged that Ball, 45, also known as "Bubba," served as a lookout while Caver set the May 29 blaze that destroyed the long-closed casino about a mile northwest of downtown Las Vegas.

Ball had admitted to investigators that he helped set the fire, and implicated Caver as his co-conspirator, prosecutors said.

Three people were hurt in the three-alarm fire which burned for hours and left little standing in the ashes except the Moulin Rouge's marquee.

About 100 residents of nearby apartments, converted from hotel rooms, were evacuated.

Caver and Ball were arrested in June and freed on bond.

The charges against Ball were dropped in September. Prosecutors and Clark County District Attorney David Roger said then that federal charges could be filed because the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The hotel was the first integrated casino in Las Vegas, nearly 40 years ago.

Damage from the fire was estimated at $12 million.