WEEK IN REVIEW: Erin Kenny sentenced to 30 months in prison

Former Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny's own attorney complained she had become the most vilified public official in Clark County history, but a federal judge on Wednesday simply called her a liar and sentenced her to 30 months in prison.

"I continue to wonder whether we've only seen the tip of the iceberg," U.S. District Judge Kent Dawson said, suggesting that Kenny was not completely honest about how many times she had sold her vote and to whom. "However, I can't speculate."

Add Dawson to the list of skeptics who question whether Kenny was forthright when she testified about her memory loss and the corrupt relationships she established while in office.

Kenny's sentence of 30 months in federal prison is six months longer than the term recommended by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Schiess. Kenny, who must surrender to prison by Sept. 18, also was fined $129,741.47. She had to forfeit $70,258.53 on top of that, bringing the total to an even $200,000.

Dawson questioned Kenny's contention that a bout with vertigo seven years ago led to significant memory loss. When Kenny testified against former colleagues Dario Herrera and Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, and most recently real estate consultant Donald Davidson, her memory was foggy about some events yet crystal clear on others.

"The vertigo, there may be an element of truth to that," Dawson told Kenny. "But to try to keep track of the lies and deception could make anyone's head spin."

Kenny addressed the judge and acknowledged she broke the law. But she did not apologize to the thousands of voters who each Election Day marked her name, trusting that Kenny would represent their best interests. In fact, Kenny apologized to no one.

"I'm not here today to make any excuses because there are none," Kenny said. "I'm here to see this through."

MONDAY

Panel considers

suspending judge

The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline met behind closed doors to consider suspending newly elected District Court Judge Elizabeth Halverson.

According to court documents unsealed by the Supreme Court, the purpose of the hearing is to evaluate evidence that Halverson has not performed her duties impartially and diligently and is "without sufficient legal abilities to conduct criminal cases," which could harm the administration of justice, among other allegations.

TUESDAY

Davidson cleared of 18 charges

After deliberating development consultant Donald Davidson's fate for five days, jurors deadlocked on all charges stemming from the allegations that he had bribed former Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny, despite Kenny's testimony that he had.

Two sources close to the case said one juror held out for a not-guilty verdict on 18 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering, charges related to Kenny's push to change zoning designations to allow for a casino and a CVS Pharmacy.

The jury found the 73-year-old Davidson guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud for attempting to bribe then-Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald in 2002.

WEDNESDAY

City chooses

arena developer

The Las Vegas City Council accepted a task force's recommendation to move forward with a proposed arena development at Main Street and Charleston Boulevard, officially picking Michigan-based REI Neon group over three competitors.

The city and the development team will now start hammering out details of timelines for progress on the project and tax rebates the developer wants from the city.

REI has rights to purchase 85 acres downtown, officials said.

The first phase of the eventual $9.5 billion plan would be a $500 million arena and surrounding retail space. Later phases would include casinos and thousands of hotel rooms and condos.

THURSDAY

City may require

day labor permits

Those hiring the day laborers who are a common sight near valley home improvement stores and nurseries would be required to get a city permit under a plan being contemplated at Las Vegas City Hall.

Mayor Oscar Goodman said city officials are delving into the issue because businesses "complain bitterly" about the workers congregating outside.

Another reason behind the proposed permits is to protect the workers, who have been robbed and sometimes aren't paid, the mayor said.

FRIDAY

Federal officials reject water ban

The federal government rejected a demand by the state engineer to stop using Nevada's water for drilling operations at the planned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site, setting the stage for a showdown in court.

The state engineer's office immediately responded to the Department of Justice's rejection letter at the close of business by reinstating the cease-and-desist order against the Department of Energy that State Engineer Tracy Taylor had signed June 1.

The order had been put on hold since June 12.

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SQUIRES

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