Vegas hotel host testifies for prosecution in Jimmy Dimora corruption trial

Vegas hotel host testifies for prosecution in Jimmy Dimora corruption trial
By: Ken Trump, newsnet5.com

AKRON, Ohio - While some people in northeast Ohio might enjoy a junket to Las Vegas around this time of year, federal prosecutors provided one Vegas hotel host with a junket to Akron, Ohio, to testify as a government witness in the trial of Jimmy Dimora and co-defendant Michael Gabor.

Ron Ellwood, a director of player development who was an executive casino host at The Mirage hotel in Las Vegas in 2008, testified late Tuesday afternoon in the Dimora corruption trial in Akron federal court. His job in 2008 was to build relationships with gambling customers and arrange for free accommodations in exchange for their gambling.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Kelley had Ellwood verify photos of Dimora and others at the Bare Pool, a private topless pool area at the hotel reserved for Dimora, co-defendant Michael Gabor and their travel mates in April, 2008. Ellwood also verified photos of hotel suites and explained at length the process of how high rolling gamblers get "comped" for free rooms, food and beverages.

Ellwood testified that he first met contractor Ferris Kleem, who prosecutors said paid for the trip for Dimora, former Auditor Frank Russo and others, at a Browns football game in Cleveland while Ellwood was working at the time for the Treasure Island hotel. He said he did not know at the time of Dimora's visit that he was a public official.

In his testimony, Ellwood said Kleem had extensive privileges at The Mirage due to Kleem's being willing to risk up to $30,000 in potential gambling expenditures per trip. In return, Ellwood said Kleem was given free rooms, food, beverages, show tickets and limos.

Kleem had a $17,500 casino credit line at the time of his Vegas trip with Dimora, Russo, co-defendant Michael Gabor and their other associates.

Ellwood said during the trip, Kleem was given a free suite while Kleem's other guests were logged in at a casino rate. Earlier testimony indicated that Kleem arranged for Dimora and Russo to each use his free suites.

Prosecutor Kelley walked Ellwood through hotel documents and testimony indicating that Dimora gambled for 21 hours and 26 minutes during his multi-day stay at the hotel. His average bet was $79 and he spent $4,700, Ellwood said.

Ellwood said Kleem "asked for some entertainment for the guys" and he arranged for a visit by Suzzanne Michaels, who federal officials previously said provided Dimora with a massage and sex in his hotel room. Ellwood said he knew Michaels as a bartender and a stripper, and that she charged $500 for her services.

When asked what they got for the $500 Elwood answered, "Whatever they do behind closed doors, that's up to them."

Dimora defense attorney Andrea Whitaker briefly cross-examined Ellwood who acknowledged that he provided limos to all of Kleem's guests. He also testified that the gambling history which contributes to hotel status like that held by Kleem could be determined using gambling records from both The Mirage in Las Vegas and the MGM hotel in Detroit.

Dimora and Gabor have maintained their innocence on all federal charges.

Continue to follow newsnet5.com and NewsChannel5 for new developments in the trial.



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