Ex-UMC executive gets bail lowered

Bail was lowered Friday for former University Medical Center chief executive Lacy Thomas, but he was ordered to turn over his passport to authorities.

District Judge Michael Villani set bail at $350,000, $150,000 less than what was previously set. Thomas posted the bail amount by late Friday, court officials confirmed.

During the bail hearing, Thomas' attorney, Dan Albregts, argued that people facing much more serious charges, such as murder, sexual assault or kidnapping, have been given lower bail.

Thomas is facing five counts of theft and five counts of misconduct of a public officer.

Thomas attended Friday's hearing but declined to speak afterward.

Albregts also criticized Thomas' accusers. He said Clark County Attorney Mary-Anne Miller and County Manager Virginia Valentine, who both testified against Thomas at grand jury proceedings, won't be found credible at the trial.

"I urge the court to not be swayed by these inflammatory allegations that haven't been proven," he said. "Mr. Thomas is here, ready and willing to defend himself."

This week, a handful of people in Las Vegas sent Villani letters asking the judge to lower Thomas' bail.

Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow, in a letter dated Feb. 26, wrote that Thomas has coached at-risk youths and college students.

"I am certain the judicial system will look favorably and equitably upon Mr. Thomas as he works toward addressing the harsh allegations that have been charged against him," Barlow wrote, adding that he'd "welcome" the chance to speak with the judge about Thomas.

Pastor Robert Fowler of the Victory Missionary Baptist Church also submitted a letter on Thomas' behalf, stating that Thomas has been active in the church and wouldn't pose a flight risk.

County prosecutor Scott Mitchell conceded that Thomas doesn't pose a danger to the public and probably won't flee the state if he gets a lower bail.

However, Mitchell said the $10 million in losses the hospital is alleged to have incurred because of Thomas' actions is so staggering that the bail should remain at $500,000.

"If he were employed in a government position, he would be a danger to taxpayer money," Mitchell said.

Las Vegas police began investigating Thomas and others at UMC in November 2006.

Prosecutors have alleged that Thomas believed he was above the law and used his position to help steer lucrative contracts to friends he knew through his work at Chicago's largest public hospital.

Thomas was hired at UMC in 2004 and dismissed in January 2007 after auditors found massive losses at the hospital.

Thomas, who is married and has three children, hasn't been able to find work since his dismissal. Albregts said potential employers are scared off by the allegations.

Thomas is scheduled to go to trial in September.

Contact reporter David Kihara at dkihara@reviewjournal.com or (702) 380-1039.