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By Kent Larsen
Former Partners Tried To Involve Local LDS Leaders In Dispute
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- Two former business partners, both LDS Church
member, who couldn't resolve a dispute, even resorted to complaining
about each other to local LDS leaders. Now, their dispute had become
more public, as one of the two, Richard Lenz, who is executive
director of the Huntridge Performing Arts Theatre, has filed a
lawsuit against the other, Earl Leavitt, claiming that Leavitt and
others "conspired to slander" Lenz and have him fired as
executive director.
Lenz and Leavitt were partners in the video production company
Impulse Studios, and were both heavily involved in Huntridge, a Las
Vegas theatre being restored by the non-profit group. But a dispute
developed between Lenz and Leavitt nearly a year ago, leading Leavitt
to suddenly move the company and rename it "Dax Works,"
taking with him Lenz' share of the company. Leavitt also started making claims
that Lenz misappropriated state funds meant to restore the
theatre.
Leavitt says that Lenz "laundered" the funds through a
third party that was supposed to repair the building's roof, and which purchased
equipment from the Lenz-owned TLG/The Lenz Group. Leavitt has taken
this claim to the Las Vegas Metro police division, but a spokesperson
there said the case wasn't being pursued. "The case is closed
until the information we requested to prove an actual embezzlement occurred
has been provided by Leavitt. And he hasn't provided that information
yet," said police detective Peter Dustin.
Lenz says that this claim is simply an attempt by Leavitt to get Lenz
kicked off the Huntridge Theatre's board.
Huntridge director files defamation lawsuit against business partners
Las Vegas NV Sun 15Nov00 D2
By Grace Leong: Las Vegas Sun
Dispute erupts over membership on theatre board
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