Date: October 16, 2023, 10:35h.
Last updated: October 16, 2023, 10:35h.
A California high roller, who once served as Dennis Rodman’s agent, has filed a lawsuit against the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The high roller claims his drink was spiked with ketamine while in one of the casino’s exclusive private VIP rooms.
Dwight Manley, a real-estate executive, is offering a $500K reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible.
According to Manley’s lawsuit, the 57-year-old lost $2 million in casino markers playing blackjack while unknowingly under the influence of the horse tranquilizer that has gained popularity as a party drug.
Private Jet
Manley has been a VIP customer with MGM since the 1990s, when he first met Rodman at the craps tables and became his agent. In December 2021, he was invited to stay in the MGM Mansion and was provided a private jet for him, his girlfriend, and two friends, as stated in court filings.
On December 10, around 1:45pm, Manley ordered an “old fashioned” cocktail, which he claims tasted bitter. Despite this, he finished the drink and ordered a second, after which he began feeling disoriented.
At approximately 4pm, Manley accidentally broke a glass ashtray, cutting his hand and causing it to bleed on the gaming table.
According to the lawsuit, staff moved him to a different table but did not offer any medical assistance other than providing some Band-Aids. However, they did offer him a line of credit up to $3.5 million, despite his erratic behavior.
At around 5:15pm, Manley’s friends took him back to his villa, where he eventually collapsed. Upon waking the next day, he suspected that he had been drugged. Medical tests conducted in California confirmed the presence of ketamine in his system.
‘Serious Criminal Act’
Ketamine, also known as angel dust, was originally developed as an anesthetic and is still used in veterinary medicine, particularly for larger animals. It is also used recreationally in small amounts for its euphoric and mildly hallucinogenic effects.
However, those who consume too much ketamine have reported experiencing a state of dissociation and confusion known as a “K-hole.”
Manley has hired a private investigator to look into the incident and has launched a website, www.Reward4InfoCasinoDrugging.com, to appeal for information.
“Mr. Manley feels that a serious criminal act was directed at him which potentially put his life in danger,” said Richard K Howell, one of Manley’s attorneys, to The Orange County Register. “He is determined to do all that he can to track down and hold accountable those responsible.”
According to the lawsuit, Manley believes he should not be responsible for the casino markers and is seeking unspecified damages of more than $75,000. He has reported the incident to the Las Vegas Metro Police and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.