This latest legal dust-up—O.J.’s armed robbery and kidnapping charges—isn’t trial-of-the-century material, but it’s taken our attention off more important legal matters. Keep an eye out for these upcoming legal disputes:
1. Michael McDonald, former City Councilman
The specifics: McDonald has escaped the tarnish of the G-Sting political corruption scandal—he was close buds with orchestrator Michael Galardi. McDonald’s main worry is a federal criminal investigation into tax charges stemming from his time on the council.
Potential fallout: Time will tell.
2. Frances Deane, former Clark County Recorder
The specifics: Deane was indicted on 18 felony counts of enriching herself by selling real-estate documents from her office.
Potential fallout: Did any big names use her services?
3. Lynette Boggs, former County Commissioner
The specifics: Snoops hired by the police and culinary unions documented Boggs’ living in a house outside her district. She was indicted on two counts each of perjury and filing false documents.
Potential fallout: Does she have dirt on the unions?
4. Lacy Thomas, former University Medical Center chief
The specifics: Thomas allegedly funneled millions of dollars in hospital contracts to friends in Chicago in exchange for trips and money. Under his reign, the public hospital hemorrhaged $34 million—nearly twice as much as expected.
Potential fallout: Was service negatively affected by the huge debt? The proposed budget for 2008 called for cuts in jobs, temporary staff and overtime.
5. Yvonne Atkinson Gates, former County Commissioner
The specifics: Police are investigating whether Atkinson Gates illegally directed more than $700,000 in campaign contributions to family and friends. She’s also drawn scrutiny for building a house for Dr. Raj Chanderraj, part of a group of doctors awarded a lucrative UMC contract during her tenure.
Potential fallout: Did Chanderraj’s group live up to the UMC contract?
6. Brian Atkinson Turner, Atkinson Gates’ son
The specifics: Turner, 24, and his wife, Kathryn O’Gara, were arrested in August on child endangerment and drug charges. Turner received hundreds of thousands of dollars from his mother, allegedly from campaign funds.
Potential fallout: The trial is slated for January. Will Turner rat on Mom?
7. ACS Consultants, Dallas-based business outsourcing company
The specifics: Hired in 2005 to help UMC boost revenues, the company is among a handful under criminal investigation for allegedly taking padded fees for providing questionable contracted services.
Public fallout: ACS fought with UMC over late and nonpayments; contract was cancelled. Will the company sue?