News briefs for April 7, 2004

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 | 9:37 a.m.

Flowers to appeal

Clinton-aides suit

Former Las Vegas resident Gennifer Flowers is appealing the decision of a federal judge who dismissed her defamation lawsuit filed against two former aides of President Bill Clinton.

The suit alleged that James Carville, George Stephanopoulos and the publisher Little Brown and Co. defamed Flowers through books and appearances by Carville and Stephanopoulos on talk shows in 1998 and 2000.

Flowers alleged that the defendants were malicious when they said they believed audio tapes that she said proved that she had had an affair with Clinton had been doctored.

In an order filed March 10, U.S. District Judge Philip Pro found that the evidence presented by Flowers "would not support a finding by a reasonable jury that there is clear and convincing proof (the) defendants published their statements with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard.'

In July Pro dismissed claims of defamation against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., in connection with the suit. Flowers is also appealing that ruling according to court documents filed Tuesday.

Tax preparer hit with indictment

A Las Vegas tax preparer was indicted Tuesday in connection with allegations that she prepared false tax returns for clients requesting more than $2.5 million in tax returns.

According to the federal indictment, Marianne Hartmann, 51, is alleged to have filed tax returns for clients using false business gross receipts, false advertising expenses and false car and truck expenses. The false returns were allegedly filed by Hartmann's business, MG Hartmann Services, from 1997 through 2000.

Hartmann is charged with 16 felony counts of willfully preparing false income tax returns and one felony count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws.

If convicted, Hartmann faces up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. She is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on April 16.

Live chat: Tuesday, noon PST; Chat with Krista Creelman; Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question