Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

PR operative accused of extorting Sisolak has faced a similar allegation with a public figure

Public relations specialist Mark Fierro, accused by Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak of trying to extort $3.9 million from him, has been accused of similar behavior with another public figure.

Fierro is at the center of an ugly public conflict between Sisolak and his ex-girlfriend, former Henderson Councilwoman Kathleen Vermillion. On Monday, Sisloak accused Fierro and Vermillion's lawyer, Robert Martin, of trying to extort $3.9 million in exchange for them keeping quiet about creepy (but not criminal) allegations about the commissioner and Vermillion's daughter.

Fierro has been here before.

After he helped helm Oscar Goodman's successful run for the Las Vegas mayoralty in 1999, he was accused by another candidate, Mark Fine, of asking for $150,000 in exchange for securing him a council opening. I remember the story vividly, as I do Fierro's non-denial denial, similar to the one he issued Monday about Sisolak's claim that he threatened his political career.

The Review-Journal also did a news story about Fierro's conduct. Fine was obviously shocked and offended, but declined to pursue charges.

Fierro didn't get so lucky this time, as Sisolak has filed a criminal complaint.

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