US drought exposes murky mob past of Las Vegas
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Lake Mead is drying up due to drought. The receding waters are leaving behind the usual flotsam and jetsam. Also found are the remains of a man shot in the head, stuffed in a barrel and tossed in Lake Mead. This happened in late 1970s and early 1980s when the mob was prominent in Las Vegas.
The mob played a big role in the development of Las Vegas from the 1940s through the 1980s. The mob controlled the management of the casinos and built and expanded the casino using Teamsters union money. Mafia boss in Chicago or New York wanted his cut of every $100 a tourist lost at the blackjack table. The mafia boss skimming cost the city millions of dollars in lost taxes.
The body found in the barrel at Lake Mead earlier this year is a possible victim of the Chicago Mob. Las Vegas police are investigating the case. Harry Pappas, who worked at the Stardust Hotel, is suspected of being the body in a barrel. Lake Mere is now a quarter full due to drought and warming temperatures. The lake bed may reveal more mob secrets. The water level is rising due of drought. It is also getting warmer. There could be a second murder victim there.
