North Vegas man files claims against assemblyman

A North Las Vegas man has filed three complaints against Democratic Assemblyman Morse Arberry, including one claiming the lawmaker may have benefited financially from a 1999 legislative vote.

The complaints were filed by John Hortas, who says he's working with two of Arberry's challengers, Democratic primary opponent Marion Bennett and Republican Chester Richardson.

Arberry said the claims are bogus and typical election-year politics.

''They're fishing,'' he said. ''They're pushed up against a wall, they're trying to put a black eye on me ... Once the election is over, it all dies out.''

Hortas has asked the state Ethics Commission to investigate Arberry's vote for a bill granting $2.8 million to the Community Development Program Center of Nevada, a nonprofit development company headed by former Las Vegas City Councilman Frank Hawkins.

Some of that money could later be available for lending through Sahara Mortgage Co., where Arberry had been chief executive officer. The firm is owned by his fiancee, Virgie Vincent.

Arberry said he resigned last week from the mortgage company and that, during his two or three years there, he was more of a figurehead.

Hortas also asked the city of Las Vegas to investigate whether Arberry had a conflict in working for Sahara Mortgage while he served as deputy director of the city's Neighborhood Services Department.

In his third complaint, Hortas asked Secretary of State Dean Heller to investigate whether Arberry really lives in Assembly District 7.

Arberry has a modest home in his district. He and his fiancee also own a $1 million home in the Canyon Gate Country Club. He said that home is a rental.