LAS VEGAS -- Billionaire casino owner Sheldon Adelson lost a round in federal court Thursday in his efforts to crush a lawsuit filed by members of his personal security team. Adelson's lawyers sought to seal the lawsuit, including the motions to seal, because they say any discussion about Adelson's personal security could endanger the lives of Adelson and his family.
Adelson is one of the richest men in the world, owner of the Venetian and Palazzo Casinos and fabulously lucrative casinos in Asia. The parent company, Las Vegas Sands, spends $2.5 million a year to provide security for Adelson and his family.
But in June, nine members of the security team filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that each man was ordered to work up to 150 hours a week but were never paid overtime.
The security team includes a former White House Secret Service agent, a former U.S. Marshal, former lawmen and military special ops personnel, all experts at what they do. Four of the nine were fired after requesting they be paid overtime.
The court hearing was over the issue of secrecy. Adelson not only wants the lawsuit itself sealed, but wanted to keep secret the motions which requested the sealing.
The plaintiff's attorney, Don Campbell, says he has never before encountered a request to seal an entire lawsuit.
Adelson's lawyers argued that if the security team members are allowed to openly discuss their allegations, it might put the lives of Adelson, his wife, and two sons in danger. The plaintiffs think Adelson's reputation is what could be in danger if the lawsuit moves forward in open court.
In earlier motions, they allege that they were ordered to perform numerous illegal acts in the course of their job, including the transport of weapons and drugs across state lines and foreign borders.
Judge Phillip Pro did not issue a final ruling but said he expects most of the material in the case will be unsealed soon. He ordered the parties to return in a week. Pro said "the presumption is that things should not be filed under seal."
Now, the case could go from a simmer to a boil. These security men spent 24 hours a day with the Adelson's, here and abroad. The have already hinted about alleged illegal activity, allegations which the defense flatly denies.
No one involved in the case has been able to comment on the specifics, but that might change soon.
