Galardi friend Guymon quits DA’s office

Friday, June 18, 2004 | 11:06 a.m.

Gary Guymon, a friend of former strip club owner Michael Galardi, who has pleaded guilty to corruption charges, and former County Commissioner Lance Malone, who was indicted on related charges, has resigned from his position as chief deputy district attorney.

Guymon's last day with the Clark County district attorney's office was today, and he was scheduled to join the Clark County public defender's office July 1. Neither Guymon nor District Attorney David Roger could not be reached for comment this morning.

Public Defender Phil Kohn said that Guymon will be welcome at his office.

"I've tried a death penalty case against Gary," Kohn said. "He knows a great deal about criminal law and will be a great addition."

Kohn didn't comment on Guymon's departure from the district attorney's office, saying that it is a personnel matter.

Guymon has been connected to the political corruption investigation involving current and former politicians and former strip club owner Michael Galardi through a subpoena served at the main office of The Jewelers in December, law enforcement sources said.

Guymon is named in the subpoena, which is part of an effort to track down possible gifts Galardi may have given to public officials not yet charged in the investigation and to one official who has been charged. The Jewelers, 2400 Western Ave., is two blocks away from Cheetahs, the popular topless club Galardi owned until Galardi pleaded guilty to corruption charges last year.

County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey and former Commissioners Malone and Dario Herrera have been charged in the probe, and former County Commissioner Erin Kenny has pleaded guilty.

Along with Guymon the names of Galardi, Malone, City Councilman Michael Mack, former City Councilman Michael McDonald and his top aide Rick Henry were included in the subpoena. Mordecai Yerushalmi, the owner of The Jewelers, confirmed that FBI agents served the subpoena.

In earlier interviews Guymon said he knows he has done nothing wrong, and considers McDonald and Malone friends.