Quiet guilty plea could signal more noise in IRS’ Pure investigation
Very quietly, former Pure nightclub superhost Richard Chu pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Judge Kent Dawson's courtroom to one count of filing a false income tax return.
It's understood hosts such as Chu made big bank in cash from the huge action at the nightclub.
Question: Is Chu now sharing information with authorities?
He would surely know the inner secrets of Pure management, which for months has been scrutinized by agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation. But, so far, no one is talking about it.
"The Richard Chu matter demonstrates that we in Criminal Investigation do not shy away from these cases," IRS Special Agent in Charge Paul Camacho said.
I wager we'll hear more on this soon.
AUTISM HELP: For two decades, the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada has sponsored the Festival of Trees and Lights. Executive Director Sue Covey tells me the group's fundraising efforts remain in Southern Nevada and go to help families with speech and physical therapy for those challenged by autism.
On Thursday, at the Paris Las Vegas, the 22nd annual festival dinner and silent auction event takes place. Trees, wreaths and menorahs, adorned with gifts, have to be seen -- and bid on -- to be fully appreciated. For ticket information: 648-2020.
CAPTAIN BOB: Experienced travelers of the Las Vegas lounge circuit spent time anchored at Bob Kostelecky's Port Tack restaurant on Sahara. The Port Tack was a colorful crossroads for the Vegas business and political elite as well as the sporting crowd.
These days Kostelecky battles cancer in California. Those who know Bob understand he can't resist fighting the good fight.
TUNNEL VISION: Las Vegas author Matthew O'Brien's true tale of the souls who dwell in the tunnels beneath Las Vegas has again captured the imagination of a curious foreign correspondent.
"Deep beneath Vegas's glittering lights lies a sinister labyrinth inhabited by poisonous spiders and a man nicknamed The Troll who wields an iron bar," The Daily Mail of London enthuses. "But astonishingly, the 200 miles of flood tunnels are also home to 1,000 people who eke out a living in the strip's dark underbelly."
O'Brien is the author of "Beneath the Neon." His new book is "My Week at the Blue Angel: And Other Stories from the Storm Drains, Strip Clubs, and Trailer Parks of Las Vegas."
ON THE BOULEVARD: Now that Sen. Reid has prevailed, will some of his mortal enemies commit "Harry kari?" ... Word is denied GOP hopeful Sharron Angle is looking into why she didn't get more bang for the substantial bucks she was able to raise. And she proved a formidable fundraiser.
BOULEVARD II: The Mob Museum on Monday will note the 60th anniversary of the Kefauver Committee's stop in Las Vegas. The traveling rackets investigation raised the issue of organized crime's influence throughout America and especially in Sin City. ... They're crying in their cabernet at the Town Square's Grape Bar, which has popped its last cork. ... Sad Summerlin residents hate to see Martinis closed. ... Indefatigable Mayor Oscar Goodman promises a big announcement for downtown soon, and he swears it will be news. Really. This time for sure. ... Goodman was serenaded during his Martinis with the Mayor meet-and-greet this week at Mundo. Maddy Graves' Southern Highlands sendoff featured a dust-up between a pair of very unlikely combatants.
BOULEVARD III: The Cosmopolitan, which opens Dec. 15, didn't have to search far for top talent to headline its debut. It's proud Vegas native Brandon Flowers. ... And speaking of local talent, how about 10-year-old dance sensation Angelique Vollmer? She already has won three national titles and is seeking a fourth.
BOULEVARD IV: Perhaps you also find yourself looking up to read the sign reminding you, "Distracted driving can be deadly."
Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith
@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.
