Las Vegas NowGalardi Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison

Galardi Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison

Convicted former strip club mogul Michael Galardi was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in federal prison.

The 45-year-old Galardi apologized in court for bankrolling corrupt politicians in San Diego and Las Vegas in the political scandal that became known as Operation G-Sting.

Under a plea agreement, Galardi was expected to get no more than five years in prison. When determining Galardi's sentence, Judge Larry Hicks had said it would depend on how helpful Galardi was to the prosecution in their cases against former county commissions Dario Herrera and Mary Kincaid-Chauncey.  Both were convicted and sentenced to prison.

Galardi made a short but passionate statement to Judge Larry Hicks in which he admitted his guilt and willingness to take his lumps. Federal prosecutors noted that even though Galardi was the source of all of the bribe money paid to former officials Dario Herrera, Mary Kincaid Chauncey, Lance Malone and Erin Kenny, he partially redeemed himself and deserved a break.

Galardi was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of parole, a $100,000 fine, and $400,000 in restitution to be paid to the city and county.

Afterward, Robert Rose, Galardi's defense attorney, said, "Mr. Galardi really isn't in a state of mind to speak about what happened today. I think he's shocked and stunned and needs to get on with his life.

Federal prosecutors and the judge expressed hope that the convictions and tough sentences would send a message to other public officials.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Schiess said, "I believe it was clearly sent, but we'll wait and see the actions of people in the future. Maybe they didn't hear it. We're hoping they did."

As the I-Team first reported, Galardi previously offered dozens of other names to the FBI, officials who allegedly accepted money or sexual favors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Steve Myhre said he cannot comment on whether the investigation has branched out, although he offered an ominous assessment. "Every since piece of evidence we have garnered in this case and others we will continue to follow up on, and we will continue to investigate. That's about all I want to say."

In Feb. 2003, the FBI raided Galardi strip clubs and announced their massive investigation. A few months later, Galardi agreed to plead guilty and work with investigators. He has forfeited $3.8 million to the government and divested himself of all his businesses.

Mike Galardi is due to be sentenced in San Diego ten days for bribing city councilmen there. He will begin serving his sentence in June.

Former Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny has yet to be sentenced. She will be a government witness in an offshoot of the G-Sting investigation -- the prosecution of Las Vegas businessman Don Davidson.