Regulators question honesty of Riviera exec, table application

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 | 5:28 p.m.

CARSON CITY —

The state Gaming Control Board has sidetracked the application of an executive of the Riviera after questioning his honesty.

After a 90-minute hearing Wednesday, the board agreed to send the application of Larry H. King Jr. to be licensed as treasurer and chief financial officer at the Las Vegas casino back to its staff for further investigation.

King, a certified public accountant, and his attorney Dennis Gutwald suggested the action after it was clear the board would not approve the application.

Board member A.G. Burnett said it appeared King had "good character and high integrity" but added there is an "honesty factor" arising from an arrest in Mississippi six years ago and his firing from a casino because of the incident.

King maintained he has not been trying to deceive anybody about the circumstances.

He and his wife were at a concert and were being pushed around by others. A scuffle ensued and King was booked for fighting in public and resisting arrest. He denied statements by the police that he tried to grab one of their guns or that he had to be dragged to the police car. Those stories by police were not in the arrest record, he said.

After the incident, board members said King was fired from the Isle of Capri in Biloxi for unacceptable behavior and was not to be re-employed.

In subsequent applications for jobs or licensing, he said he resigned. He said the CEO of Isle of Capri later agreed to change the reason for leaving to a resignation.

The criminal charges were dropped and the criminal record expunged. But several months later he pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor of disturbing the peace.

Burnett said the resisting arrest and public fighting charges were dismissed because the police officers were given another assignment the day of the court case.

Board members said King failed to tell subsequent employers that he initially was fired. But King said he had the dismissal changed on his employment record.

Burnett said he could not vote for approval.

Board member Shawn Reid said he was still troubled about the arrest and questioned if King was being deceitful. Board Chairman Mark Lipparelli said he was on the fence but could not support a denial.

Action on the application was delayed and King and his lawyer then agreed it be referred back to staff.