Trial set for former schools athletic director

By Matt Pordum

Tuesday, March 22, 2005 | 9:21 a.m.

Former Clark County School District athletic director Larry McKay pleaded not guilty to four counts of felony theft on Monday.

The 57-year-old McKay is scheduled to stand trial before District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on Sept. 6.

Each count carries a maximum of 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

McKay's lawyer, Bill Terry, is expected to seek to have two of the counts dismissed prior to trial because they are alleged to have occurred in 1998 and the statute of limitations on theft is four years. Terry would not comment on his plans.

McKay, who was indicted March 3, is accused of improperly using district funds for expenses related to the Holiday Prep Classic basketball tournament. McKay founded the tournament, which was sponsored by the School District and held in school gyms, and he served as its director.

Between 1998 and 2001 McKay used $94,147 in funds from the athletic department's budget to pay School District Police officers who provided security at the annual tournament, according to the complaint.

McKay retired in June 2003 after 30 years with the district. In an earlier interview with the Sun, McKay said he had done nothing wrong.

He remains out of custody on $10,000 bail.