Tuesday, May 13, 2003 | 9:36 a.m.
Steve Wynn told a jury Monday that when he started getting threatening letters and phone calls from a man demanding $10 million and claiming to be a long-lost half brother, he flashed back to the 1993 kidnapping of his daughter.
"The experience of having my daughter kidnapped was one of indescribable terror and, maybe, that experience, in a way, reminded me how vulnerable we are," Wynn said. "That was the only other time that someone has demanded money from me."
Wynn testified in the trial of Donald Phillips, a 48-year-old man charged with 20 criminal counts, including stalking and extortion of Wynn.
Wynn's daughter, Kevyn, was kidnapped by three men in 1993, and was released after Wynn paid $1.45 million in ransom. The kidnappers were arrested within days and about $1 million of the money was recovered.
Wynn told the jury that he wasn't overly concerned about the letters Phillips allegedly sent until he received a voice mail in 2001 from Phillips threatening his life.
"That took it to another level in my mind," Wynn said. "It would have been insane not to take it seriously. It would be irrational."
Prosecutors allege Phillips sent 15 letters to Wynn's office and residence and left three voice mails between September 2000 and June 2001. In October 2002 Phillips pleaded not guilty to the stalking charges by reason of insanity.
Defense attorney Ralph Baker said that his client truly believes he is Wynn's half brother and that he is owed his share of an inheritance.
During Wynn's 30 minutes of testimony the casino operator, who is building Le Reve on the site of the former Desert Inn, talked about his background and pointed out that his father is not the same man who Phillips has alleged is his and Wynn's father.
While being questioned by Chief Deputy District Attorney Abbi Silver, Wynn also said he did not gain control of the Golden Nugget until 1973, two years after Phillips says he met him there.
Baker said Phillips, who has HIV, spent time in a Washington shelter for homeless men and intended to use the money to create a foundation to help people with HIV and AIDS.
Phillips was so convinced that he was related to Wynn that he sent him fingernail clippings and hair samples for DNA testing.
When asked if he tested the items, Wynn responded, "Of course not."
Phillips faces a two- to 10-year sentence on each of 18 counts of extortion and a two- to 15-year sentence for aggravated stalking.
"Nothing could convince me that Mr. Phillips is my half brother," Wynn said. "I don't have a half brother. I thought it was just the act of some desperate person, and I wasn't concerned for my life until he threatened me."
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