Former Federal Prosecutor Who Battled Mob in Las Vegas Casino Industry Passes Away at 74
Posted on: August 7, 2023, 04:56h.
Last updated on: August 7, 2023, 04:56h.
Stanley Hunterton, a former federal prosecutor who played an essential role in removing organized crime from the Las Vegas casino industry, has passed away at the age of 74. He died in hospice care at his son’s Las Vegas home, as reported by The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Hunterton was a key member of the Las Vegas Strike Force, responsible for prosecuting notorious figures like Tony “The Ant” Spilotro and his Hole in the Wall Gang. Spilotro, known for his affiliation with the Chicago Outfit, served as the overseer of organized crime in Las Vegas and served as the inspiration for Joe Pesci’s character in Martin Scorsese’s Casino.
In June 1986, Spilotro disappeared shortly before his trial for extortion and racketeering. A week later, he and his brother Michael were found buried in an Indiana cornfield. Subsequently, 14 members of the Chicago Outfit were indicted for their murders.
The Spilotro brothers were eventually discovered buried in an Indiana cornfield. Fourteen members of the Chicago Outfit were later charged with their murders.
If the trial had proceeded, Spilotro would have been defended by Oscar Goodman, who would later become the mayor of Las Vegas.
Argent Corp
Hunterton’s team also played a vital role in uncovering illicit activities by the Mob at the Stardust and Fremont hotels, both owned by the Argent Corporation under the management of Allen R. Glick.
Federal authorities discovered that Argent had concealed the Midwest Mob’s interests in these properties. The Mob skimmed millions of dollars from casino profits, which were then funneled to Mafia families in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.
The Strike Force also successfully prosecuted and convicted the owners of the Aladdin for their unlawful association with Mob figures in the casino’s management.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, led by Jimmy Hoffa, had been infiltrated by the Mob. Loans authorized by Hoffa from the Teamsters Pension Fund were used to purchase Argent’s casino interests, as well as the Aladdin.
Hoffa, who disappeared in 1975, was investigated by Hunterton and the Strike Force, although the case remains unsolved. It is widely believed that Hoffa was murdered by the Mafia. He was officially declared dead in 1982.
Profound Impact
US District Judge Philip Pro praised Hunterton for his significant contributions in combating organized crime in Southern Nevada, stating that he had a “profound impact” on the region.
In an interview for the Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s “Mobbed Up” podcast series in 2020, Hunterton responded to the notion that “things were better when the Mob ran the city.” He pointed out that this view is typically held by individuals who were not directly affected or did not have family members victimized by the Mafia.