Francis “Frankie” Citro Jr. is making a significant push to be removed from Nevada’s List of Excluded Persons, commonly known as the Black Book, where he has been listed for nearly 34 years. This legal action could allow him to enter licensed casinos in Nevada for the first time since 1991.
At 80 years old, Citro has not set foot inside a Nevada casino, nor has he enjoyed dining at renowned establishments like the Bellagio or Wynn Las Vegas. Under Nevada law, individuals on the Black Book are barred from all areas within gaming establishments, including restaurants, lounges, and theaters. If caught attempting to enter, Citro could face misdemeanor charges, while the casino could incur disciplinary action for allowing his entry.
Citro’s attorney, Las Vegas-based lawyer Michael Lasher, submitted a petition for Citro’s removal from the list on March 15, 2024. This petition will undergo review by the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s Enforcement Division. The Gaming Commission has 90 days to either schedule a hearing or reject the petition.
Lasher argues that Citro has undergone significant personal reform since his initial ban. In his detailed 10-page petition, he highlights Citro’s transformation from a convicted felon to a respected community member actively involved in charitable work. Citro was previously convicted of extortion in 1980, conspiracy to use counterfeit credit cards in 1987, and racketeering in 1986. Despite these convictions, Lasher asserts that Citro has worked diligently to improve his reputation over the past several decades.
The petition cites various endorsements from notable community members, including former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Lonnie Hammergren, who has publicly supported Citro’s case. Hammergren stated, “If anyone gets off the list, it should be Frankie.” Additionally, a Los Angeles Times article from 2013 quoted North Las Vegas police officer Steve Noahr, who expressed that individuals should not be penalized for past mistakes after they have served their sentences.
Citro’s supporters include a range of professionals, from musical conductor Mariano Longo to cardiologist Herbert Cordero. They describe him not as a criminal, but as a valued friend and entertainer within the community. Citro has also participated in numerous fundraising activities, including a Christmas Dance Party benefiting local children and a charity drive that collected socks for the homeless.
In the petition, Lasher proposes that Citro’s criminal records could potentially be sealed under the Fourteenth Amendment, which could further strengthen their case for removal from the Black Book. He emphasized the need for the commission to demonstrate fairness in its procedures, suggesting that the current circumstances warrant a reconsideration of Citro’s status.
The Gaming Control Board has confirmed that, to date, no living individual has successfully been removed from the Black Book, making Citro’s quest a notable case in Nevada’s gaming history. His petition represents not only a personal struggle for redemption but also raises broader questions about the state’s exclusionary practices and the possibility of second chances for individuals with past convictions.
As Citro awaits the decision from the Gaming Commission, the outcome could reshape his life in Las Vegas, allowing him to engage with a community he has long been excluded from, while also setting a precedent for others seeking similar relief.
