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HEPATITIS EXPOSURE-FEDERAL CHARGES
Doctor convicted in outbreak to undergo evaluation
(Information in the following story is from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former Nevada doctor at the center of a 2007 hepatitis C outbreak has been ordered into federal custody for a mental evaluation.
U.S. Senior District Judge Larry Hicks signed the order last week to determine if Dipak Desai is mentally competent to accept a plea deal on federal health care fraud charges.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Desai's lawyers and federal prosecutors signed a stipulation agreeing that the evaluation is appropriate.
Desai, who surrendered his medical license, was convicted last year of 27 criminal counts in state court related to the outbreak. He was sentenced to life in prison with possible parole after 18 years.
Trial is scheduled in August if no agreement is reached.
TRASH FIRE
Trash fire causes damage at Las Vegas apartments
(Information in the following story is from: Las Vegas Sun, http://www.lasvegassun.com)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A fire in a trash can spread to the roof of a Las Vegas apartment building, causing $75,000 damage.
The Las Vegas Sun reports the fire burning in a trash can near the building was reported around 4:30 p.m. Sunday. By the time crews arrived flames had spread to the roof.
No one was injured in the blaze at the complex near Russell and Paradise roads.
Clark County officials say the fire caused moderate damage to one apartment. Another unit sustained smoke and water damage. Both families living in those apartments were displaced.
The fire also destroyed 35 U.S. Postal Service mailboxes.
The cause is under investigation.
TEACHER ARRESTED-VEGAS
Bail reduced for former Las Vegas teacher
(Information in the following story is from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Bail has been lowered for a former Las Vegas kindergarten teacher accused of kidnapping and child pornography stemming from a relationship with a 16-year-old girl.
Clark County District Judge Stefany Miley on Monday reduced bail to $150,000 from $650,000 for 45-year-old Melvyn Sprowson.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Sprowson's lawyer, John Momot, argued that the girl also was responsible for the affair. He called her a "troubled girl" who has had relationships with other older men that resulted in criminal cases.
Prosecutor Jacqueline Bluth opposed the bail reduction and noted that Sprowson had child pornography on his cellphone.
Sprowson faces six counts, including kidnapping, child endangerment and unlawful use of a minor in the production of pornography.
He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in June.
SCOOTER CRASH-VEGAS
Scooter riders, motorist ID'd after crash in Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Authorities have identified two scooter riders who were badly hurt and a driver booked on suspicion of driving under the influence in an overnight crash on a busy street east of the Las Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas police say the 27-year-old scooter driver, Chris Leichtweiss, was taken to University Medical Center with serious injuries after the 2 a.m. Monday crash.
The scooter passenger, 19-year-old Tiffany Nelson, was hospitalized in critical condition.
Police say 31-year-old Matthew Thompson of Las Vegas was arrested on a felony drunken driving charge. He's jailed pending an initial court appearance.
Police say Thompson was driving a 2003 Infiniti sedan that hit the scooter from behind on Koval Lane near Harmon Avenue.
Both riders were thrown from the scooter.
ELKO APARTMENT FIRE
Red Cross assists Elko family after apartment fire
ELKO, Nev. (AP) — The Red Cross is assisting an Elko family displaced after a fire damaged their apartment on Easter Sunday.
Authorities say the fire started in the kitchen and then spread through the walls into the bedrooms. The family of three, including an 8-year-old girl, was not home at the time.
The family made arrangements for another place to stay and the Red Cross says it provided food and clothing.
ROCK IN RIO-VEGAS
Casino owner planning 'Rock in Rio' site in Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Developers are announcing plans to build a 33-acre open-air music venue on the Las Vegas Strip to host a four-day Rock in Rio USA festival beginning next year.
MGM Resorts International said Monday that the "City of Rock" development to be built between the Circus Circus resort and Sahara Avenue could attract up to 80,000 people a day.
Rock in Rio originated in Brazil, and the festivals have also been held in Portugal and Spain.
Rock in Rio founder Roberto Medina says he's excited to partner with MGM Resorts, Cirque du Soleil and California developer Ron Burkle on the U.S. venue.
Plans will need county approval, and cost figures haven't been made public.
Officials say they're planning five stages, themed streets featuring sights, sounds and foods of Brazil, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, plus thrill rides and shopping.
FIREFIGHTING SHEEP
Firefighting sheep return to Carson City
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Carson City is welcoming what's become an annual spring contingent of four-legged firefighters.
Sheep released last week in the hills on the city's west side are munching on cheat grass and other emerging vegetation to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires this summer.
It's become a familiar sight in Nevada's capital city since 2006.
About 750 sheep will graze along the city's urban interface from south Carson City north to Western Nevada College. The Carson City Fire Department hauls water for the animals.
City officials say the arrangement benefits the animals and residents alike. The sheep get to eat, and they reduce the abundance of invasive weeds that dry out in the summer and provide more fuel for fires.
ATLANTIC CITY POKER
World Poker Tour championship opens in NJ 1st time
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — After 11 years in Las Vegas, the championship event of the World Poker Tour is underway in Atlantic City.
The weeklong event, sponsored by partypoker, is being held at the Borgata, its partner for online gambling in New Jersey.
Borgata president Tom Ballance says moving the championship to Atlantic City shows the growing appeal of poker in New Jersey, particularly since the state began offering Internet gambling last November.
Ten players qualified for the event through Internet play. Another 30 qualified online for events in the Borgata Spring Open, which began earlier this year.
The winner is guaranteed at least $1.3 million from a guaranteed $5 million prize pool.
Televised highlights will be broadcast nationally next month.
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