COMMISSION'S HARASSMENT PROBE INTO WYNN ONGOING
‘It’s more important to get this right than to get this fast’
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigation looking into allegations of sexual harassment against former Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn and the company’s response is still ongoing, despite previous estimates that the work would be complete by the end of August, the commission said yesterday.
“Our investigators are balancing a sense of urgency with an uncompromising commitment to diligence and thoroughness,” commission executive director Ed Bedrosian said. “I have continuously provided our best and most thoughtful estimates on the conclusion of this investigation and will continue to do so; however, comprehensive fact-finding and analysis must take precedence.”
Over the summer, the commission had said investigators were expected to finish their investigation by the end of August and then spend time finalizing their report for the five-member commission. But Bedrosian said yesterday members of the commission’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau are in Las Vegas again this week.
“Investigators from our Investigations and Enforcement Bureau are working hard to finalize their investigation and are following up on a few outstanding matters,” Bedrosian said.
Investigators have made a number of trips to Las Vegas, including for a court hearing that featured testimony from Elaine Wynn, co-founder of Wynn Resorts and Steve Wynn’s ex-wife.
Steve Wynn has been accused of rampant sexual harassment and rape, and allegedly paid a $7.5 million settlement to a former casino employee to settle claims of sexual harassment. Gaming Commission officials have said the payment was improperly hidden from investigators during Wynn’s initial background check.
Wynn Resorts concluded its own internal investigation last month, but has not released its conclusions. The commission’s review will include examining the company’s response to the allegations.
Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Gaming Commission, said the additional time is acceptable if it’s for the sake of accuracy.
“It’s more important to get this right than to get this fast,” Crosby said.
Bedrosian did not give a specific timeline, but said the commission should discuss how it will deal with the final investigation when it is presented. The commission could invite witnesses to answer questions, or could decide to discuss the findings among themselves. During the commission’s original suitability hearings, witnesses gave sworn testimony and were cross-examined.
“That’s not for me to say, per se, but that’s something we’ll be clarifying in two weeks,” he said. “I think it’s a reasonable assumption that we would give them an opportunity to come in if they want to.”
Despite the lengthy investigation, Wynn representatives have not answered questions from the commission in public.