Areas of Expertise
2494 stories by Ed Silverstein
Casino Crime Roundup: Arson Fire Leads to Arrest
A former employee was arrested recently in connection with the intentional fire set last week at the Desert Rose Casino in Alturas, Calif., authorities said. Calob Matthew Gersalia, 25, was charged with intentionally starting a fire at the property at approximately 8...
Las Vegas Teens Accused in Student’s Murder Claim Self-Defense
Four of the nine teenagers who allegedly participated in the fatal attack on a Las Vegas high school student say they acted in self-defense. The victim, rather than the defendants, threw the first punch in the fight, which took place in an...
Casino Crime Roundup: Player Damages Elevator, Gets Trapped Inside
A 45-year-old man was arrested this month after he allegedly vandalized an elevator at Pennsylvania’s Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. The unnamed Harrisburg, Pa. resident lost money while wagering and became angry during his December 9 visit to the gaming...
Las Vegas Tourist Allegedly Kidnapped, Murdered By Basketball Player
A pro basketball player and his girlfriend allegedly killed a 23-year-old woman whose body was found this month in Henderson, Nev., authorities revealed on Sunday. The basketball player, Chance Comanche, 27, and the girlfriend, Sakari Harnden, 19, are to be charged with...
Nevada Supreme Court Rules Against Nathan Chasing Horse
Former cult leader Nathan Chasing Horse failed to get his charges dropped by Nevada’s top court, according to a ruling released this week. Attorneys attempted to have the state Supreme Court throw out pending counts for alleged improper sexual relationships and related...
Tropicana, Mirage Hospitality Workers Reach Tentative Contracts
This week, unionized employees at The Tropicana Las Vegas and The Mirage gave their initial backing for five-year labor agreements. Once approved, the contracts will cover some 2,000 members of the Culinary Union, the union announced on Wednesday. Some 1,700 of the...
UNLV Shooter Made Sexist Remark to Student on Her Appearance
Troubling allegations are surfacing about the past of a man who killed three UNLV professors last week, including allegations he made lewd comments when he was teaching earlier in North Carolina. In 2016, Anthony Polito reportedly approached East Carolina University (ECU) student...
New Hampshire Hearing on Embattled Casino Owner Wraps Up
Closing arguments were made Tuesday on whether a New Hampshire casino owner can retain a charitable gaming license. The issue up for debate is whether Andy Sanborn, a former state Senator, can keep the Concord Casino license. The decision is up to...
Minnesota Casino Winner Beaten, Robbed of $38K, Suspects Arrested
Three Minnesota men are facing several charges after they allegedly beat up and robbed an elderly casino winner in front of his home over the weekend. The unnamed 67-year-old victim was kicked and punched as two of the suspects stole more than...
Casino Crime Roundup: California Cops Arrest Seven in Illegal Casino Raid
Stockton, Calif. police arrested seven suspects after raiding an illegal casino operating in the garage of a private residence on Friday. During the search, police found four firearms and several casino games, according to California TV station KTXL. Tracy Harbutte, 36, was...