EXTORTION, BABY Vegas police probe alleged plot against GOP lawmaker

Las Vegas police are investigating accusations that a Republican state lawmaker was pressed to switch allegiances in a key vote, in a mysterious attempted extortion case that has allegations flying on all sides.  

In a statement, police said Nevada Assemblyman Chris Edwards is the “alleged victim” who was approached in December about changing his official vote for Assembly speaker. 

The Nevada Assembly voted unanimously on Monday, the first day of the session, to elect Republican John Hambrick as speaker. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Edwards also backed Hambrick during a preliminary vote in December — but allegedly was pressured to switch. 

Police have not identified who may have tried to extort Edwards but confirmed that investigators from their intelligence section executed a search warrant at a Las Vegas home last week. The property searched is the home of Rob Lauer, a Las Vegas businessman who previously applied for an assembly seat when it was vacated but was not picked.

In a phone interview with Fox News, Lauer confirmed he met with Edwards. Lauer, though, said he met with Edwards because he wanted the assemblyman to take the role of chairman on an independent veterans committee he was organizing.  

Lauer claims Edwards was not interested in the position or the committee and instead asked for donations to pay some of his remaining campaign debt.

“I told him three times that I will not give you a commitment for a figure,” Lauer said. “That’s illegal.”

Edwards denies Lauer’s allegations. The assemblyman told Fox News that police have asked him not to discuss details of the investigation, but insisted that Lauer is not telling the truth.

“I heard that he was trying to revise a lot of things that happened,” Edwards said. “If he is not consistent with what transpired it will not go well for him.”

Lauer said investigators confiscated his cell phone and computer during the search of his home, because they’re looking for a recording of the alleged conversation between him and Edwards.

Lauer denies he made a recording. “The police came looking for the tape,” Lauer said. “There is no tape, I have no tape.”

Edwards said there is an ongoing investigation in which “multiple people are involved.” He wouldn’t describe the circumstances but said the potential case is much bigger than the alleged incident involving him and Lauer.

“I would hope that other folks would start cooperating, because we have a session that’s important to the voters of the state of Nevada,” Edwards said.

Lauer also alleges that Edwards alerted the police in an effort to hinder a movement to recall his recent election. A “Recall Edwards PAC” was recently filed with the secretary of state by Citizens Outreach, a conservative organization.

Edwards addressed the issue in a statement on Facebook. “Since the November election we have seen a lot of political hype about recalls and ‘holding people accountable’ it is nice to see that many of those people will soon be held accountable for their hypocritical actions,” Edwards wrote.

Lauer said he now plans to file a defamation suit against Edwards.

“It seriously attacks my character to say I recorded him,” Lauer said. “I don’t record people. I don’t rat people out. People have a conversation with me — it’s private.”

Edwards said he couldn’t address the tape but assured “the truth will come out at the appropriate time and it will disprove Lauer’s account.”

Lauer has a small history of run-ins with the law. Most recently, in 2010, he was cited with assault against a woman in a bar. The case went to court but the charges were ultimately dropped.

“I have a history of being accused of stuff that is not true and I’ve proven myself,” Lauer said.

No arrests have been made in the current case. Police are conducting more interviews.

Matt Finn is a part of the Junior Reporter program at Fox News. Get more information on the program here and follow them on Twitter: @FNCJrReporters

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EXTORTION, BABY Vegas police probe alleged plot against GOP lawmaker

Zappos’ unique workplace culture a big draw for visitors to Downtown Vegas

BY ARLENE MARTIN-WILKINS Associate editor – news martina@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, October 09, 2014    

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Online footwear retailer Zappos is doing more than selling shoes and clothes these days.

A major arm of online retail giant Amazon, Zappos.com is opening its doors to visitors in Downtown Las Vegas to get a taste of its unique workplace culture, characterised by a flat organisational structure where there are no managers or job titles.

Based in the former City Hall and a part of the Downtown revival project, Zappos creates an environment that allows what it terms ‘spontaneous interaction’ among its staff.

Zappos adopts a no-door policy and its senior ‘executives’ are allowed little more than a desk and chair in a dark room dubbed the Monkey Row. Expect to be welcomed to the human resource department with a ‘shake weight’ dance routine from staff. Yes, and there’s a coach to help staff with their personal and professional-goal setting.

Time-out spaces encourage employees to spend much time from their desks, probably working from one of the stations that offer free coffee, snacks and juices, or while resting in a hammock in another recreation area.

“Studies have shown that when you take naps throughout the day, it boosts your energy,” explains Carla Callison, one of the cultural guides.

Employees, who receive full insurance benefits and subsidised benefits for their dependents, can earn ‘Zollars’ for good performance. These ‘Zollars’ can be used to purchase Zappos-branded items from its in-house store.

Plaques with good news, like the first time Zappos hit US$28.6 million in sales in a single day, are mounted in the recognition alley for all to see.

And with all the focus on making its more than 1,000 employees happy, cultural ambassadors will readily tell you that Zappos is merely a customer service company that just happens to sell shoes. That basically sums up how agents in its call centres interact with customers.

“They work with no scripts, there’s no handle time. They truly interact with the customers as we believe once you learn something about somebody, it is easy to remember them,” Callison says.

View the original article here

Zappos’ unique workplace culture a big draw for visitors to Downtown Vegas

Vegas" babymother cheating video released. Artiste denies putting footage online.

Mr Vegas

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

In 2012 dancehall/reggae artiste Mr Vegas set social media ablaze after he announced via his Facebook page that his babymother had cheated on him in his own home and even had sexual intercourse in the presence of his daughter.

The singjay also claimed to have video proof from his surveillance system, to show that he wasn’t exaggerating his experience. After doing several local and international interviews on the issue, Mr Vegas did not release the footage, which left many of his fans in doubt, some even sided with the accused babymother citing that Mr Vegas was being a mere cry baby at the time.

However those who doubted Mr Vegas, have now received the proof they were waiting for, as the alleged video evidence has finally surfaced and has being doing rounds on social media.

The over three-minute long video shows a woman and a man, taking part in, what appears to be coitus, while a baby girl walks in and out of the room at various intervals. The woman made an attempt to remove the child from the room, however not before removing her underwear in the child’s presence, then swiftly returning to her lover who sat in a sofa partially covered with a sheet. The curious child however returned twice during the sofa action.

Focused on his child’s development

Mr Vegas however vehemently denied having any part in the release of the video footage. He says his only focus is his child’s development and he doesn’t want to be reminded of the experience.

“I have moved on from that situation a long time ago … I don’t want to be reminded of that awful situation and can only pray that my daughter is ok. I was not the only one at my house the day the video was seen, so I don’t know the source where it is coming from at this time,” the artiste said.

The singer also released a song and music video called Bare Tingz, documenting his experience and warning others not to fall deeply in love. He further told THE STAR that those persons who have seen the now viral video, have been offering their sympathy.

“People have been sending me links and I see messages in my inbox where people are saying they respect me for how I dealt with that situation, but I don’t want to get into that energy right now. My main focus now is my kids, my music and the artistes in my camp. This situation is only gonna put me back in a dark place and I worked with Danny Browne and Clevie with music that could heal my soul. So I have nothing more to say about that, my only wish with this situation is that my daughter is ok, because there are lots of predators out there,” he said.

The artiste also hopes other men will be able to learn from him, based on how he handled the situation instead of resorting to violence.

The artiste is promoting a new album called Reggae Euphoria and recently signed dancehall artiste Latty J to his record label.

View the original article here

Vegas" babymother cheating video released. Artiste denies putting footage online.

Vegas" babymother cheating video released. Artiste denies putting footage online.

Mr Vegas

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

In 2012 dancehall/reggae artiste Mr Vegas set social media ablaze after he announced via his Facebook page that his babymother had cheated on him in his own home and even had sexual intercourse in the presence of his daughter.

The singjay also claimed to have video proof from his surveillance system, to show that he wasn’t exaggerating his experience. After doing several local and international interviews on the issue, Mr Vegas did not release the footage, which left many of his fans in doubt, some even sided with the accused babymother citing that Mr Vegas was being a mere cry baby at the time.

However those who doubted Mr Vegas, have now received the proof they were waiting for, as the alleged video evidence has finally surfaced and has being doing rounds on social media.

The over three-minute long video shows a woman and a man, taking part in, what appears to be coitus, while a baby girl walks in and out of the room at various intervals. The woman made an attempt to remove the child from the room, however not before removing her underwear in the child’s presence, then swiftly returning to her lover who sat in a sofa partially covered with a sheet. The curious child however returned twice during the sofa action.

Focused on his child’s development

Mr Vegas however vehemently denied having any part in the release of the video footage. He says his only focus is his child’s development and he doesn’t want to be reminded of the experience.

“I have moved on from that situation a long time ago … I don’t want to be reminded of that awful situation and can only pray that my daughter is ok. I was not the only one at my house the day the video was seen, so I don’t know the source where it is coming from at this time,” the artiste said.

The singer also released a song and music video called Bare Tingz, documenting his experience and warning others not to fall deeply in love. He further told THE STAR that those persons who have seen the now viral video, have been offering their sympathy.

“People have been sending me links and I see messages in my inbox where people are saying they respect me for how I dealt with that situation, but I don’t want to get into that energy right now. My main focus now is my kids, my music and the artistes in my camp. This situation is only gonna put me back in a dark place and I worked with Danny Browne and Clevie with music that could heal my soul. So I have nothing more to say about that, my only wish with this situation is that my daughter is ok, because there are lots of predators out there,” he said.

The artiste also hopes other men will be able to learn from him, based on how he handled the situation instead of resorting to violence.

The artiste is promoting a new album called Reggae Euphoria and recently signed dancehall artiste Latty J to his record label.

View the original article here

Vegas" babymother cheating video released. Artiste denies putting footage online.

Mr Vegas for Nyammins and Jammins

MONTEGO BAY, St James — A blend of gospel and dancehall acts are scheduled to perform at the 2014 staging of the annual Nyammins and Jammins Food Festival at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre on Heroes’ Day, October 20.

Veteran dancehall star Mr Vegas is expected to highlight the entertainment segment of the event, which will be dubbed ‘Ward’s Power Tools 4-H Nyammins & Jammins’.

The concert will also feature RDX among other dancehall acts as well as gospel artistes Kevin Downswell and Montego Bay-based gospel group Tribe of Judah. Backing Band will be the Fabulous 5 Incorporated.

The festival also features a wholesome family entertainment package, which includes over 30 booths, showcasing

horticultural and arts and crafts, educational/informational booths, kids’ village. Other daytime activities include Mr and Miss 4-H, Celebrity Chef cook-offs, using shrimp and lion fish, culinary demonstrations and DJ competitions.

The Nyammins & Jammins Food Festival is a fund-raising event staged annually by the St James 4-H Advisory Council.

-Horace Hines

View the original article here

Mr Vegas for Nyammins and Jammins

Vegas, Octane in back-up singer drama

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

I-Octane, Mr Vegas

Dancehall/reggae artiste Mr Vegas has accused fellow recording artiste I-Octane of trying to sabotage his performance at the upcoming Reggae Sumfest by telling his back-up singer to stop working with him, an accusation denied by I-Octane’s camp.

According to Mr Vegas, he and I-Octane share the same back-up vocalist. He has claimed that since the recent controversy concerning who should be the closing act for Dancehall Night of the festival, I-Octane and his management has been pulling out all stops to make his experience miserable.

“Its unfortunate that, two weeks leading up to the show, I have to be searching for a back-up singer, and me and this person have been working together for over three years, without problems. She was forced to stop working with me because she was asked to choose between me and I-Octane, and she decided that she will not take any side,” Mr Vegas said.

He said I-Octane has stooped low to use intimidatiory tactics.

“As a female, the back-up singer felt intimidated and sey she cannot work with neither me nor I- Octane for this Sumfest, because she doesn’t want to be in such a position. It’s unfortunate that they took such a route because they didn’t need to involve her,” Mr Vegas said, adding he will now have to train a new backup singer, who will be less familiar with his material.

“I take my show very professional because I choose performance over a bag of torches. She is also going to lose money because of this and to think she only started to work with I-Octane about a year now, it’s sad because I was ok with her working with him.”

Mr Vegas also believes I-Octane and management have other plans up their sleeves, but remains positive about his upcoming performance at Sumfest.

I-Octane’s manager Ray Alexander, denied giving the back-up singer an ultimatum. Alexander also connected THE WEEKEND STAR with Thamara, the organiser of I-Octane’s back-up singers.

She said the singer made her own decision not to work with both artistes during the tension. Thamara said the back-up singer was pregnant and could not handle the hassle to accommodate the sets of both artistes.

“Somebody has filled her spot to be I-Octane’s back-up, but we have no problems with her working with Mr Vegas,” she said.

Curtis.campbell@gleanerjm. com

View the original article here

Vegas, Octane in back-up singer drama

Vegas, Octane in back-up singer drama

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

I-Octane, Mr Vegas

Dancehall/reggae artiste Mr Vegas has accused fellow recording artiste I-Octane of trying to sabotage his performance at the upcoming Reggae Sumfest by telling his back-up singer to stop working with him, an accusation denied by I-Octane’s camp.

According to Mr Vegas, he and I-Octane share the same back-up vocalist. He has claimed that since the recent controversy concerning who should be the closing act for Dancehall Night of the festival, I-Octane and his management has been pulling out all stops to make his experience miserable.

“Its unfortunate that, two weeks leading up to the show, I have to be searching for a back-up singer, and me and this person have been working together for over three years, without problems. She was forced to stop working with me because she was asked to choose between me and I-Octane, and she decided that she will not take any side,” Mr Vegas said.

He said I-Octane has stooped low to use intimidatiory tactics.

“As a female, the back-up singer felt intimidated and sey she cannot work with neither me nor I- Octane for this Sumfest, because she doesn’t want to be in such a position. It’s unfortunate that they took such a route because they didn’t need to involve her,” Mr Vegas said, adding he will now have to train a new backup singer, who will be less familiar with his material.

“I take my show very professional because I choose performance over a bag of torches. She is also going to lose money because of this and to think she only started to work with I-Octane about a year now, it’s sad because I was ok with her working with him.”

Mr Vegas also believes I-Octane and management have other plans up their sleeves, but remains positive about his upcoming performance at Sumfest.

I-Octane’s manager Ray Alexander, denied giving the back-up singer an ultimatum. Alexander also connected THE WEEKEND STAR with Thamara, the organiser of I-Octane’s back-up singers.

She said the singer made her own decision not to work with both artistes during the tension. Thamara said the back-up singer was pregnant and could not handle the hassle to accommodate the sets of both artistes.

“Somebody has filled her spot to be I-Octane’s back-up, but we have no problems with her working with Mr Vegas,” she said.

Curtis.campbell@gleanerjm. com

View the original article here

Vegas, Octane in back-up singer drama