Police Chief Denies Getting Las Vegas Perks

Chief Willie Williams did accept free hotel rooms and other perks on a Las Vegas vacation, though he has denied it, and once asked a subordinate to solicit free theme park tickets, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Records leaked to the newspaper included receipts that proved Williams accepted rooms, room service and telephone calls valued at more than $1,500 from Caesars Palace.

Memos included in the leaked file showed that Williams told the commission he hadn’t accepted accommodations without paying for them. He later provided documents showing that he had received “comp” accommodations and then said he had only denied soliciting perks.

The documents also said an officer on Williams’ staff told the Police Commission that Williams asked him to solicit free tickets from Universal Studios theme park two days before his swearing-in ceremony in 1992.

Williams denied Friday that he asked for the tickets, and said the Las Vegas freebies were available to anyone who spent enough money gambling in hotel casinos.