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Sunday, April 28, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal COLUMN: John L. Smith Rizzolo's reputation might be hurt by company he keeps
The Friday night supper crowd was beginning to pour in at Piero's just off the Strip, but the restaurant's best customer, Crazy Horse Too topless cabaret owner Rick Rizzolo, already was seated and holding court with friends. His conversation was interrupted briefly by a warm greeting from Gov. Kenny Guinn, who was there with wife, Dema, for a separate dinner engagement. Guinn and Rizzolo had been acquainted for many years, and the king of the Crazy Horse is one of the most generous campaign contributors in all Nevada politics. The California undercover detective seated at the nearby bar smiled at the scene. In his home state, such a meeting between governor and topless entrepreneur might be front-page news. In Nevada, it's merely one example of Rizzolo's amazing circle of contacts, which stretch from the governor's mansion to the fringes of the Chicago mob. Call it the politics of dancing. At Oscar Goodman's recent mayoral fund-raiser at Cili restaurant, Rizzolo not only was responsible for generating $40,000 in contributions, but worked the room like an experienced politician. In many respects, he is just that. Flanked by Catholic priest the Rev. Dave Casaleggio, Rizzolo kissed almost every judge and judicial candidate in the place. The affection appeared genuine, and he'd earned a hug. Over the years, he's underwritten many judicial campaigns with the profits from his Industrial Road topless bar, which seats 1,000 not counting the 250 women who mingle and dance there each shift. By his count, the 43-year-old Rizzolo averages between $75,000 and $100,000 per year in contributions, making him a bigger cash player than many casino and development companies. That's what friends are for, right? "I know Oscar long before he became mayor," Rizzolo says. "I know he's a good guy. And I know Kenny Guinn ... but I knew him long before he got into politics." At Christmas, Rizzolo's private party is co-hosted by his wife of 26 years and is attended by politicians and judges. It also has been watched by law enforcement, which for years privately has considered Rizzolo an associate of numerous Las Vegas and Chicago mob figures, including casino Black Book denizens Fred Pascente and Joseph Cusumano. Rizzolo says he no longer has contact with Pascente because of his Black Book status, but says of the gentlemanly Cusumano, "That guy's my best friend in the world, but it's not like Joey Cusumano and I hang out together anymore. ... I don't want to jeopardize my licenses." He means his privileged licenses to serve liquor and operate an adult-oriented business, which in his case generates millions a year. Rizzolo also employs Vinny Faraci, son of Bonanno crime family capo "Johnny Green" Faraci, and Rocco Lombardo, brother of former Chicago Outfit boss Joseph Lombardo. He calls them dedicated, law-abiding workers who have been victimized by unavoidable family relationships. That's nuclear family, he asserts, not mob family. But the presence of a brigade of felons and street characters in Rizzolo's life has only made law enforcement more intrigued by his operation. At times, there have been so many police agencies interested in the Crazy Horse Too that the club could have used overflow parking for undercover vehicles. As if his life weren't complex enough, in October Rizzolo was sued by the family of Kirk Henry, a tourist who suffered a broken neck after leaving the Crazy Horse Too. Metro is investigating, and Rizzolo has been deposed in the civil case. Although Rizzolo admits he knows plenty of men police consider mob associates, he adds, "I also know a lot of policemen, judges and politicians, but I'm not a politician, I'm not a cop, and I'm not a judge." No, he's a generous topless bar operator with friends in low and high places. He's a man who dances to his own tune, one who balances his controversial business with an active church and charitable life. Still, I think Rick Rizzolo should take my advice and watch out with whom he associates. All those politicians and judges could ruin his reputation. John L. Smith's column appears Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. E-mail him at jsmith@reviewjournal.com or call him at 383-0295.
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