Las Vegas Man Arrested for Extorting Steve Wynn

Background of the Case

A man from Las Vegas has been taken into custody for allegedly carrying out an extensive extortion campaign against the renowned casino entrepreneur Steve Wynn. The suspect reportedly sent threatening communications over several months, demanding a sum of $1 million.

Details of the Threats

The suspect, a 43-year-old identified as M.L., is said to have initiated the threats in October 2023. The messages centered around accusations of unpaid taxes related to the sale of Wynn’s stock. Throughout 2023, M.L. allegedly sent 79 emails, many containing explicit threats toward the target.

On January 30, Steve Wynn’s executive assistant reported to Palm Beach police that Wynn had received two packages that day. One was delivered via FedEx and the other through USPS Priority Mail. Both packages contained letters with intimidating language, warning Wynn, “I am not a nice man. I am not your friend. This situation is going to get very bad for you quickly. I know where you live.”

The Demand and Investigation

The letters demanded that Wynn transfer $1 million to a specific bank account controlled by M.L. They also included a threat that M.L. would “visit” Wynn if the payment was not made by March 2. Authorities traced the FedEx package to a local outlet in Las Vegas, identifying M.L. through surveillance footage.

Further evidence surfaced when one of the letters contained M.L.’s actual phone number. Police made contact, and the voicemail confirmed his identity. On February 5, M.L. briefly answered a call from a detective before ending the conversation.

Arrest and Current Status

M.L. was arrested on February 9 and is facing a criminal extortion charge. He is currently detained at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach on a $50,000 bond. A court order prohibits him from making any contact with Steve Wynn or Wynn’s staff.

Context and Legal Significance

Since stepping down from his leadership role at Wynn Resorts in 2018, Steve Wynn has lived discreetly under extensive security in Florida. This extortion case marks the first significant public threat to his safety since relocating.

Legal experts have noted that due to the volume of threatening correspondence—nearly 80 emails, letters, and packages—this incident is among the most well-documented extortion cases in the history of Palm Beach.