Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Galardi notifies county of efforts to sell two clubs

Jaguars, Leopard Lounge licenses at risk

Strip club owner Michael Galardi's attorneys told Clark County officials this week that he is actively trying to sell his two clubs located in county areas, a county spokeswoman said Tuesday.

The county's attorneys have been trying to arrange for Galardi to transfer his county-issued liquor and business licenses required to operate the $15 million Jaguars and Leopard Lounge clubs since Galardi pleaded guilty to a felony Sept. 8.

County officials have said Galardi can't hold licenses for privileged businesses since he pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a federal public corruption investigation that involves elected officials in San Diego.

In a plea agreement with prosecutors, Galardi admitted paying off a police officer for warning when undercover agents would visit his Cheetah's club in San Diego.

Galardi also is a target of an ongoing corruption probe in Las Vegas. A grand jury has heard testimony in that case, but authorities have not announced any indictments.

Galardi also co-owns with his father, Jack Galardi, the Cheetah's strip club in the city of Las Vegas.

City officials weren't available for comment Tuesday.

Jim DiFiore, director of the city's Business License Department, said last month that Las Vegas could take action against Michael Galardi within 30 days, but the city may have a stronger case after legal proceedings in Las Vegas run their course.

County spokeswoman Stacey Welling said Galardi's attorneys contacted the county's attorneys Monday and told them Galardi was actively trying to sell both clubs located in the county.

"That's what their attorneys have told our attorneys," Welling said.

An attorney for Michael Galardi's attorney couldn't be reached for comment late Tuesday.