GINA B. GOOD / PVT Jim Petell looks over legal papers after his hearing in Pahrump's Justice Court on Jan. 8. Advertisement

Jim Petell, former chairman of the public lands advisory board, appeared in Pahrump's Justice Court Jan. 8 on a continuance of a case charging him with attempting to defraud Saddle West Casino.

According to Petell, on March 11, 2007, he won a $1,000 jackpot playing a quarter slot machine with witnesses around to verify his win.

However, William Hass, of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, filed a complaint leading to felony charges against Petell.

According to court documents, Petell attempted to claim a $1,000 Royal Flush Jackpot from the casino March 11, when he had allegedly already been paid March 9.

Petell appeared in court without counsel and asked Judge Tina Brisbill to grant him a six-month continuance to find a lawyer and obtain discovery evidence he said was being withheld from him by the Nye County district attorney's office.

Since the case had already been continued once because Petell was running for public office, and because Petell had previously been advised to get legal representation, Brisbill denied his request. She also changed the venue to district court and set a preliminary hearing for 1:30 p.m. March 4.

Brisbill told Petell the DA's office only had to turn over to him what information it has. She said there could be evidence they hadn't yet been obtained.

Deputy District Attorney Wesley White said Petell had "every single piece of evidence that I have." White added that he would get in touch with the Nye County Sheriff's Office. "I will check in evidence and see if there is anything that is booked into evidence. I will get copies and give them to Mr. Petell."

Standing in the courthouse after the hearing, Petell spoke to attorney Carl Joeger, who said the fee for his representing Petell in district court would be $10,000.

Asked why he would continue with the costly case when negotiation and restitution might be enough to avoid a felony conviction, Petell said he was in the right and that was more important than the money.

"They have to prove intent," said Petell. "There were people around. Everyone was going nuts when I hit the jackpot. People were going crazy. The lights were blinking."

Petell said he won the jackpot March 11 and went back into the casino a week later for a St. Patrick's Day dinner. "The chief of security came up to me and said, 'You owe us a thousand dollars.'

"I wouldn't have come back in there if I'd done what they say. They have my player's card; they all know who I am. They could have found me. If I had their money, why did they wait a week before trying to get it back?"

Petell ran for the District 2 county commission seat in 2008, losing to incumbent Joni Eastley.