Nevada Gaming Commissioner Member Resigns After News of Federal Probe
Michonne Ascuaga has resigned from the Nevada Gaming Commission, according to Gov. Brian Sandoval's office.
The governor accepted her resignation, a statement from his office read as follows:
"Michonne Ascuaga has served the Nevada Gaming Commission well," Sandoval said in the statement. "I admire her and wish to recognize her family's long history as leaders in the gaming industry. I appreciate that she has put the credibility and reputation of the Gaming Commission first. Michonne is a consummate professional and will continue to be a leader in our community."
By Thursday, the reason for Ascuaga’s abrupt resignation after serving for less than a year become much more apparent.
The Sparks Nugget, overseen for 16 years by Ms. Ascuaga, is under a federal investigation for failing to implement effective anti-money laundering programs at the casino, according to court papers filed Wednesday in relation to the property's 2013 sale.
Reno attorney John Echeverria noted that Michonne herself is not the subject of the investigation.
"It doesn't make her the target of an investigation. More often than not, it's the entity,” he stated.
Sandoval was unaware of the probe at the time he appointed her to the Board.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
