Thursday, July 23, 2009 | 11:11 a.m.
A California businessman has agreed to settle his gambling debts in Las Vegas.
Kirk Vartanian, 40, appeared in Las Vegas Justice Court this morning on two charges of theft and two charges of passing bad checks. Prosecutors allege that in 2007 he passed 16 bad checks for gaming markers at two Las Vegas casinos totaling $250,000.
Vartanian paid a portion back to the Venetian and to the Wynn Las Vegas, but still owed $241,000.
His local attorney, Patrick McDonald, said Vartanian recently repaid $60,000 and reached a deal with prosecutors to pay $3,771 per month for the next four years.
The case will be dismissed after the full amount is repaid, McDonald said.
Justice of the Peace Nancy Oesterle set a follow-up hearing in January but Vartanian isn’t required to be present.
Vartanian has also had legal trouble in California.
Police arrested Vartanian last month in Fresno, Calif., on assault and domestic violence charges after a confrontation with a woman.
Fresno police say Vartanian and the woman argued over a $135,000 watch on June 26. He allegedly hit her and threatened her with a knife, police said.
Vartanian has pleaded not guilty to felony charges stemming from the alleged attack and is free on a $155,000 bail.
He currently owns a bar in Fresno and once owned a luxury car dealership.
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