Bob N wins another.
One of the big sticking points to the case was that Mesquite police officer Southwick, threatened to arrest the two patrons if they did not show ID and then when they did produce ID, Officer Southwick, turned said ID over to Virginia River Casio representatives against the pairs objections.
These backroom and detention cases are nearly a thing of the past in Las Vegas, thanks in large part to a number of cases won by Mr Nersesian in the last decade. Smaller places like Mesquite seem to be slow to learn the lesson, but with Mr Nersesian on our side, hopefully all casinos in the state will recognize that it is 2014, and not the late 1900's and that illegal detentions and false imprisonments will not be tolerated.
Quote: kewlj
These backroom and detention cases are nearly a thing of the past in Las Vegas, thanks in large part to a number of cases won by Mr Nersesian in the last decade. Smaller places like Mesquite seem to be slow to learn the lesson, but with Mr Nersesian on our side, hopefully all casinos in the state will recognize that it is 2014, and not the late 1900's and that illegal detentions and false imprisonments will not be tolerated.
It surprises me that this happens at all. I would think that most if not all situations like this are reported and wind up in litigation/settlement. And it's not like they break anyone's legs which would act as a deterrent to others even if you were able to sue. It's usually that someone is held in a room, possibly threatened or made to feel uncomfortable. If anything it almost seems like incentive to push the boundaries knowing that any possible detention could mean some real dollars in your pocket as a result of legal action.
Am I missing something? Maybe there are a larger number of detentions that go unreported (and thus serve their purpose of intimidation) than I am imagining?
Quote: IbeatyouracesWhat were they accused of doing?
I have not been able to find much info on the case, other than what was posted on BJ21. There is a link to one of the juror's verdict sheets, but I am not going to link to that. But there was no criminal activity, only legal AP activity was involved. The casino also refused to cash out their $300 in winnings. Smart move. $300 ends up costing $200,000. lol
Quote: gts4everI would think that most if not all situations like this are reported and wind up in litigation/settlement.
Am I missing something? Maybe there are a larger number of detentions that go unreported (and thus serve their purpose of intimidation) than I am imagining?
I think this first statement is incorrect and I think your later statement hits on what you were missing. Most cases go unreported and the casinos and local police, sometimes working together succeed in intimidating and bullying patrons that have done nothing illegal. The cases that are litigated and settled or won are what is putting an end to this nonsense.
Quote: IbeatyouracesDetained over $300!?!? Laughable. And who says casinos don't gamble.
What I am always amazed at is the amount of authority that seems to be entrusted to low level, low paid security personnel in these matters. Where the hell are the higher paid legal experts that are employed by the casinos?
Quote: kewlj
One of the big sticking points to the case was that Mesquite police officer Southwick, threatened to arrest the two patrons if they did not show ID
I'd just like to ask to make sure this is legal for the police to do right? What they did afterwards sure wasn't but demanding ID is legal correct? Kinda goes against the "don't talk to the police" imo but w/e, law's the law.
I knew someone who was once confronted by the police (but not arrested), and the police demanded ID (said or go to jail), and then read his name and birthdate out loud to everyone around. He later claimed he had identity theft problems even though he keeps his birthdate completely secret, the police announced it to people who used against him. I have no clue how that turned out.
Whatever it was, it probably took place in the casino, not in their hotel room. An innkeeper has no greater rights over his guests just because a casino thinks they are cheats. Unless the rooms were comped, they can't even be evicted from their hotel rooms just because they were evicted from the casino. Nor can they be detained in their room for any reason.Quote: IbeatyouracesWhat were they accused of doing?
Most of these incidents get ignored since lawyers won't even listen unless you bring five grand with you for the first meeting.
Bob N is a cool guy and I went out with him and his partner Thea for dinner at the El Cortez last time I was in town. (Comped, of course!) Their office is within walking distance of the El Cortez.Quote: FleaStiffMost of these incidents get ignored since lawyers won't even listen unless you bring five grand with you for the first meeting.
He's a Detroit guy -- Downriver/Wayne State law.
Security guards tend to be arrogant and not at all concerned with the limitations on their powers. Even this judgment will be covered by insurance.Quote: mickeycrimmI had a run in with Virgin River once. Total assholes. Way to go, Bob.
Security guards have been known to say "no photographs" to someone snapping a picture of their exterior entrance way sign.
Most places keep things fairly orderly in view of the clientele of the casino. Its clear that the Venetian is the most policed and searched casino in town. Some casinos attract low lifes some merely attract poor but relatively honest people. There are thieves and panhandlers and drunks and rowdy crowds but there are also cheatsl It is hard to hire and train good security particularly when casinos have different policies on gunplay. One casino analyzed the tapes of a gun fight and found their security people couldn't shoot straight at all. So instead of sending them to a pistol range, it disarmed them instead.
Quote: IbeatyouracesI've mentioned a few times that Motorcity here has an undercover that follows people and accuses them of being credit hustlers and taking left behind TITO's. It's only a matter of time before someone puts an end to his harassment and false accusations. Remember, a nickel once cost them $400,000. Apparently they haven't learned their lesson.
What makes you think he is undercover and not some weirdo? I thought undercover operations were solely aimed at employees. I would like to know because some weirdo has been bothering me at a local store. The paranoid thought of undercover floated thru my mind at one point.
Quote: IbeatyouracesI have friends that work there. I know who the employed are and who are not.
You know he is employed by the casino? What is his job?
Quote: IbeatyouracesYes I do, and I already mentioned his job. Most casinos have undercover security on the floor.
You're not really helping me with your brief answers. Does he play? Does he drink? Does he work in the low limit? Does he have 'friends'?
Quote: IbeatyouracesThe guy, and a couple others in his position have a job to do. Walk around the casino and look for unwanted or illegal activity. If they suspect anything, they'll follow and watch you. And if they see it, they notify uniformed security personnel.
Thank you. That does not at all sound like the weirdo bothering me. He plays and drinks. But will notify the pit of suspected unwanted activity when he aooears drunk.
Quote: IbeatyouracesNot at all, but when they start making false accusations, you won't like it.
He told management I was a professional card counter. I did not like it. Are you saying this guy could be security...I'm getting confused again!
Quote: DRichBob N was on Bob Dancer's radio show last night. You can listen to it here. Link
Just listened to the show.
Very informative. Great show. I'll always listen when Bob N is on.
The last segment really put a scare into me. It was about travelling with large amounts of cash and being stopped by the authorities and having all your money seized. Bob said It happens a lot all over the country and he is totally outraged by this. He specifically mentioned Northern Nevada and Arizona. Very scary.
