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Strip Club Lobbyist Pleads Not Guilty

Malone Charged With Wire Fraud, Extortion

POSTED: 11:08 am PDT September 3, 2003
UPDATED: 11:26 am PDT September 3, 2003

Las Vegas lobbyist Lance Malone has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with an alleged scheme to bribe three San Diego councilmen into repealing the city's "no touch" nude dancing ordinance.

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Malone (pictured, right) has been charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.

He was booked and released and is expected to post a $250,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 23.

Michael Galardi

Malone was indicted last week with his boss, Cheetahs owner Michael Galardi (pictured, left).

Also indicted were John D'Intino, Cheetahs San Diego manager, San Diego city councilmen Michael Zucchet, Charles Lewis, Ralph Inzunza, and Lewis aide David Cowan.

D'Intino, 56, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to possess unregistered weapons.

The defendant agreed to go into custody immediately pending a Jan. 5 sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum of five years behind bars and a $250,000 fine on each count.

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The councilmen, Galardi, Malone and D'Intino were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Inzunza, Zucchet, Galardi, Malone and D'Intino were also charged with extortion. In addition, Galardi, Malone and D'Intino were charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering.

Cowan was charged with making a false statement to the FBI.

In a separate indictment, D'Intino and Charles Tappe were charged with conspiracy to possess machine guns, silencers and pistols with obliterated serial numbers.

Inzunza, Lewis, Zucchet and Cowan have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are free after each posting a $25,000 bond. Galardi is free after posting a $250,000 bond, and Tappe is in custody in Arizona.

All were ordered to return to court Oct. 23 for a motions hearing.


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