24 Imprisoned, 12 More Waiting Deportation as #OperationGas Takes Firearms & Heroin off the Streets and Dismantles MS-13 Street Gang

A sweeping, more than two-year investigation into the trafficking of heroin by armed drug dealers in Providence and surrounding areas has resulted in the imprisonment of 24 individuals, the arrest and detention of 12 others who face deportation on alleged immigration violations, and the dismantling of the MS-13 Providence street gang.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Gas, was conducted by a task force composed of federal agents from the FBI; DEA; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Homeland Security Investigations; detectives and officers from the Rhode Island State Police Providence Police, Cranston Police, Newport Police, Pawtucket Police, and Woonsocket Police Departments; and prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General.

The investigation targeted the trafficking of heroin from the Dominican Republic and Guatemala to Rhode Island and the distribution of that heroin by armed drug dealers in Providence and surrounding areas. The investigation led to the seizure of more than 23 kilograms of heroin, including the largest single seizure in Rhode Island, as well as the seizure of over 100 grams of cocaine, 15 firearms, more than $400,000 in cash, and 12 vehicles. The drug trafficking investigation led to a subsequent investigation that targeted leaders, members and associates of the MS-13 Providence street gang who were involved in gang-on-gang violence, firearms sales, and drug distribution.

The subsequent prosecution of those involved resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of 24 individuals, including the leaders and known members of the MS-13 Providence street gang, on drugs, firearms, assault, and arson charges, and of a convicted heroin trafficker who attempted to hire a person to murder his girlfriend.

In addition, 12 individuals identified as members and associates of the MS-13 Providence street gang and the SUR-13 street gang were detained by Homeland Security Investigations on alleged immigration violations. Many of the individuals have already been deported.

“Armed gang activity and associated drug dealing continue to plague Providence and other urban neighborhoods across our state,” said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. “History has taught us only too well: gangs and drug dealing inevitably lead to gun violence. To effectively combat this violence, we must continue to do more than simply wait for the shooting to stop and assess the carnage. Only a proactive approach, targeting the worst of the worst and bringing them to justice before the shooting starts, can lead to a safer Rhode Island.”

“This is an example where another team challenged ours and lost,” said Vincent Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, which is responsible for Rhode Island. “Gang members who want to fill the vacuum left by these arrests should know the Safe Streets Task force will always win over those who chose a life of crime by holding responsible those who put illegal guns on our streets, deal heroin in our neighborhoods, and commit other crimes in our cities.”

"DEA is committed to the dismantling of criminal organizations that bring drugs and violence into our neighborhoods," said John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division. "Our commitment is unwavering, and together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to target violent drug trafficking organizations operating throughout our communities."

“Cooperation among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors led to the successful disruption of the MS-13 gang in Providence. Targeting criminal activity by gangs and gang members before violence erupts is critical in bringing greater security to our urban communities,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.

“As I have stated in the past, investigations like this are a message as to how we leverage our partnerships and combine our efforts to dismantle organized gang and drug activity. Operations like this are what makes the community safer and also sends a strong message to those involved in the gun, gang, and drug trade,” said Colonel Hugh Clements.

Among the defendants arrested, convicted, and imprisoned as a result of Operation Gas:

• Jose Victor Fernandez, 47, Providence: Jose Fernandez was arrested in April 20, 2011, following a lengthy investigation into his suspected heroin trafficking activities. In addition to numerous undercover purchases of heroin, law enforcement seized two kilograms of heroin discovered concealed inside car parts shipped from Guatemala to an auto dealership where Fernandez worked. During the investigation into Fernandez’s drug trafficking activities, law enforcement learned that Fernandez was attempting to hire a person to murder his girlfriend. Fernandez was convicted in federal court of attempted murder for hire, as well as multiple heroin distribution charges. Fernandez is serving a sentence of 97 months in federal prison.
• Jose Dume, Jr., 29, Providence; and Ariel Hassel, aka Miguel Angel Colon, 33, Cranston: In the fall of 2011, the FBI and DEA began investigating a Dominican drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, and on occasion cocaine, to customers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. According to information presented to the court, Jose Dume, Jr. was identified by law enforcement as the leader of this conspiracy. The investigation revealed that Dume purchased kilogram quantities of heroin from Ariel Hassel. It is estimated that over the course of the conspiracy, Dume purchased approximately three kilos of heroin, often in 500 to 600 gram increments, which he then sold to arious customers throughout Rhode Island.
• During the course of the investigation into Dume and Hassel’s drug trafficking and firearm trafficking activities—which included undercover drug and firearms purchases, the use of electronic monitoring and surveillance equipment, and the execution of court authorized search warrants and wiretaps—law enforcement seized four firearms, about 2.5 kilograms of heroin, over $400,000 in cash, jewelry valued at more than $60,000, and 12 vehicles from residences in Providence, Cranston, and West Warwick. The wiretap investigation led to the arrest and conviction of 14 individuals including Dume, Hassel, their partners, and drug runners, as well as customers. Among those arrested was Vlady Tejada, a fugitive on federal drug charges out of the District of Massachusetts.
• Dume and Hassel were arrested by federal agents on May 11, 2012. Dume pleaded guilty in October 2013 to federal conspiracy, heroin trafficking, and firearm charges. He was sentenced on October 21, 2013, to 15 years in federal prison. Hassel pleaded guilty in July 2013 to heroin and cocaine trafficking charges. He was sentenced in July 2013 to 90 months in federal prison.
• Jorge Daniel Estrada, 19, Providence; and Angel Feliz, 48, Dorchester, Massachusetts: In October 2012, the DEA arrested Jorge Daniel Estrada and Angel Feliz on charges of conspiracy to distribute 17 kilograms of heroin. In addition to seizing 17 kilos of heroin, police seized three vehicles. The arrests of Jose Fernandez, Jorge Estrada and Angel Feliz, prompted by information developed by Providence Police detectives, resulted in the seizure of a total of 19 kilograms of heroin valued at $4.5 million dollars, the largest single seizure of heroin in Rhode Island. Estrada and Feliz have been sentenced to 180 and 70 months in federal prison, respectively.
• Francisco Bonilla, a/k/a “Cisco,” 35, Providence: In October 2012, Francisco Bonilla, the alleged leader of the MS-13 Providence street gang, was indicted by a Rhode Island state court grand jury on assault and weapons charges. He pleaded guilty in January 2013 and is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence at the ACI. Bonilla, a citizen of El Salvador, will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his prison term.
• Richard Ibenez, a/k/a "Chinoz", 23, Providence: In October 2012, Richard Ibenez, a member of the MS-13 Providence street gang, was indicted by a Rhode Island state court grand jury on conspiracy and arson charges. He pleaded guilty in January 2013 and is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence at the ACI.

Defendants charged in the U.S. District Court were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adi Goldstein, Paul F. Daly, Jr., Sandra R. Hebert, Milind M. Shah, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth P. Madden. Defendants charged in Rhode Island state court were prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General James Baum.

Operation Gas Defendants:

Wayne Barnes, 53, Providence
Drug and firearms charges
Three years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release
Francisco A. Bonilla a/k/a Cisco, 35, Providence
MS-13 gang leader
Assault & firearms charges
20 years, 10 years to serve at ACI; 10 years suspended with probation
Miguel Colon a/k/a Ariel Hassel, 33, Cranston
Heroin and cocaine trafficking charges
90 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Juan Cotto, 45, Providence
Conspiracy
24 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Jose Dume, Jr., 39, Providence
Leader of heroin trafficking conspiracy
Heroin trafficking and firearm charges
15 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Angel Feliz, 48, Dorchester, Massachusetts
Heroin trafficking charges
70 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years’ supervised release
Christian Ferrer, 28, Providence
Drug source for MS-13 gang
Conspiracy and cocaine trafficking charges
71 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Cristian Jimenez, 34, Providence
Convicted at trial in June 2013 on charges of trafficking heroin
Detained
Angel Maria Marte, 49, Providence
Heroin trafficking charges
80 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Estevan Benzan, 29, Providence
Heroin trafficking
70 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Janet Cobian, 24, Taunton, Massachusetts
Heroin possession and distribution charges
Five years’ probation
Louis Cortez a/k/a Cholo, 37, Providence
SUR-13 gang member
Firearm possession
Six months' confinement, to be followed by five years’ supervised release
Alejandro Delacruz, a/k/a Alex, 28, Providence
C-Block gang member
Conspiracy and firearm charges
51 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years’ supervised release
Jorge Daniel Estrada, 19, Guatemala
Conspiracy and heroin trafficking charges 15 years in federal prison followed by lifetime supervised release. Immigration detainer lodged
Jose “Victor” Fernandez, 47, Providence
Heroin trafficking and murder for hire charges
97 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release
Richard Ibanez a/k/a Chinoz, 23, Providence
MS-13 gang member
Conspiracy and arson charges
20 years, eight years to serve at ACI 12 years suspended withprobation
Michael Linaris, 36, Providence
Firearm charge
24 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years’ supervised release
Yelkis Martinez ,36, Providence
Maintaining a drug involved premises and fraud charges
30 months in federal prison, followed by three years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Geovannie Nieves, 28, West Warwick
Heroin trafficking charges
90 months in federal prison, followed by five years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Adalberto Pagan a/k/a Bebo, 28, Providence
Firearm source for MS-13
Firearm charges
37 months in federal prison, followed by three years’ supervised release
Vlady Tejada, 33, Boston, Massachusetts
Heroin and cocaine trafficking charges
71 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years’ supervised release
Faces deportation proceedings
Leopoldo Nunez, 26, Providence
Firearms charges
60 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release
Alexander Ramos, 42, Providence
Cocaine conspiracy and distribution
70 months in federal prison, followed by five years’ supervised release
Dewrys Marte Valerio, 28, Providence
Heroin and cocaine trafficking charges
80 months in federal prison, followed by five years’ supervised release

The following defendants were detained by Homeland Security Investigations on alleged immigration violations. Several of the defendants have been deported.

Carlos Esau Arreaga Lopez, a/k/a Duende, 27, Guatemala
MS-13 gang member
Orlando Ramon Gonzalez Lopez, a/k/a Pikachu 33, Mexico MS-13 gang member
Fari Armando Nava Tlapale, a/k/a Fatty, 21, Mexico MS-13 gang member
Alberto Ozuna Ramirez, a/k/a Pepo, 23, Mexico
MS-13 gang member
Jose Leonida Villalobos Rodriguez, a/k/a Jumbo, 27, El Salvador
MS-13 gang member
Victor Hugo Amaro, 30, Mexico
MS-13 gang associate
Arturo Cruz, a/k/a Edison Arturo Cruz Esperanza, 24, Honduras
MS-13 gang member
Fredy Saravia, 37, Guatemala MS-13 gang associate
Edgar Coronado, a/k/a Chino, 33, Guatemala
MS-13 gang member
Luis Salgado, a/k/a Pee-Wee, 22, Mexico
SUR-13 gang member
Wagner Miranda, a/k/a Alex, 23, Guatemala
MS-13 gang member
Jose Borjas, a/k/a Catracho, 36, Honduras
MS-13 gang associate

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Homicide Suspect Arrested in Detroit by U.S. Marshals

Pittsburgh homicide suspect, Wesley Richards, was arrested in Detroit, Michigan by members of the U.S. Marshals Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team (DFAT). Richards, age 35, was charged with homicide in the shooting death of Donald Lowry, which occurred on October 18, 2013 at JR’s Bar. Richards is alleged to have shot Lowry multiple times before fleeing the East Ohio Street bar. In conjunction with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the U.S. Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (WPAFTF) prioritized this case and developed leads that indicated Richards fled the Pittsburgh area heading to Detroit. Through further investigation, an associate in the Detroit area was identified and this lead was forwarded to members of the DFAT for investigation. Through this effort, members of the DFAT were able to locate and arrest Richards without incident at a residence in the 17000 block of Greenlawn Street, Detroit, Michigan. Richards was lodged in the Wayne County Jail on the Pittsburgh homicide warrant to await extradition.

The Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force is made up of the following member agencies: U.S. Marshals, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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Russian Diplomats Charged with Medicaid Health Care Fraud

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and George Venizelos, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), today announced charges against 49 defendants for participating in a widespread fraud scheme from 2004 to August 2013 to illegally obtain nearly half-a-million dollars in Medicaid benefits. Each of the defendants charged in the complaint unsealed today is a current or former Russian diplomat or the spouse of a diplomat employed at either the Russian Mission to the United Nations (the Mission), the Russian Federation Consulate General in New York (the Consulate), or the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in the USA, New York Office (the Trade Representatio”). The complaint alleges that each of the defendants and their unnamed co-conspirators participated in a widespread scheme to illegally obtain Medicaid benefits for prenatal care and related costs by, among other things, falsely underreporting their income or falsely claiming that their child was a citizen of the United States.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Diplomacy should be about extending hands, not picking pockets in the host country. Here, as alleged, a multitude of Russian diplomats and their spouses ran a scam on a health care system designed to help Americans in need. As the complaint alleges, the scam exploited a weakness in the Medicaid system, and the charges expose shameful and systemic corruption among Russian diplomats in New York.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos said, “The United States government values its long-standing relationship with foreign diplomats and diplomatic establishments for cooperation on many issues. Unfortunately, as detailed in the complaint, some Russian officials in New York allowed these defendants to take advantage of that relationship.

"Motivated by greed and the purchase of high-end luxury items, these defendants allegedly perpetrated a fraud to illegally obtain Medicaid benefits to which they were not entitled. The unsealing of the complaint today highlights the criminal activities of these defendants and reminds the public that health care fraud remains an ongoing problem in our country. The FBI and our law enforcement partners, including the New York City Human Resources Administration and the New York State Department of Health, are committed to preventing and prosecuting health care fraud at all levels.”

According to the allegations in the complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

Medicaid is a largely federally funded program in the United States designed to assist low-income families afford health care. In New York State, the Department of Health administers the Medicaid program, and the New York City Human Resources Administration oversees the program and processes applications in New York City. In New York State, pregnant women can receive immediate prenatal care following a preliminary assessment of the pregnant woman’s and, if applicable, her spouse’s, income. If the pregnant woman provides an income level that is higher than the Medicaid eligibility threshold, the provider will generally not process the Medicaid application. Proof of United States citizenship is not required for a pregnant woman to receive Medicaid benefits because the unborn child is presumed to acquire United States citizenship by virtue of being born in the United States. Once completed, the pregnant woman is entitled to Medicaid benefits pursuant to the original application until the 60th post-partum day, and the newborn child is entitled to benefits on the mother’s initial application until the child’s first birthday. Diplomats, their spouses, and their children are generally not entitled to Medicaid benefits except in cases of emergency.

While in the United States, the individuals employed by the Mission, Consulate, and Trade Representation are paid a salary by the Russian government, which is not subject to United States federal, state, or local taxes. Employees of the Mission and Consulate generally live in housing, the vast majority of which is paid for by the Russian government. The Mission and Consulate historically have also paid for the medical expenses of their employees, including hospital and doctor bills, as well as dental expenses. Each of the defendants named in the Complaint is a Russian diplomat who works or worked at the Mission, Consulate, or Trade Representation, or was married to such an individual. As a result of an international convention among multiple nations and a bilateral agreement between the United States and Russia, children born in the United States to Russian diplomats generally do not acquire United States citizenship.

The investigation revealed the widespread submission of falsified applications for Medicaid benefits associated with medical costs for prenatal care, birth, and young children by the defendants, which enabled the defendants to obtain Medicaid benefits that they were not otherwise entitled to receive. Approximately $1,500,000 in fraudulently received benefits were obtained by the defendants and dozens of other co-conspirators not named in the complaint. In general, the defendants underreported their income to an amount below or at the applicable Medicaid eligibility level in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits. In support of the underreported income, the defendants generally submitted letters signed by employees of the Mission, Consulate, or Trade Representation, purporting to corroborate that the falsely underreported income was the true income amount. The defendants’ true income was often hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more per month than what was falsely reported to Medicaid. Moreover, before, during, and after the time that the defendants received Medicaid benefits, several of the defendants opened credit card accounts in which they reflected salaries thousands of dollars higher than they reported to Medicaid.

In addition, one set of defendants failed to disclose their marriage on their initial Medicaid application—falsely claiming that they were brother and sister instead of husband and wife. As a result, those defendants failed to disclose any income the husband earned from the Mission. Because of their lies, they received almost $21,000 in Medicaid income to which they were not entitled. Three other defendants falsely claimed that their children—Russian nationals residing in the United States pursuant to visas issued by the Department of State reflecting their Russian citizenship—were citizens of the United States in order to obtain Medicaid benefits for their children. To support these lies, a United States Social Security card was provided for one application, and both a United States Social Security Card and a birth certificate issued by the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene was provided in support of another application.

Moreover, before, during, and after the time that the defendants applied for and received hundreds of thousands of dollars in Medicaid benefits, they spent tens of thousands of dollars on luxury items, including cruise vacations and purchases such as watches, shoes, and jewelry, at stores such as Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Prada, Bloomingdale’s, and Burberry.

For example, Timor Salomatin, a former diplomat at the Mission, and his wife, Nailya Babaeva, applied for Medicaid pregnancy benefits in November 2010 and represented Salomatin’s salary to be $3,000 a month and submitted a renewal application in June 2011 in which they claimed that Salomatin made $4,400 a month. In support of both applications, they submitted a letter signed by Mikhail Korneev, formerly a counselor at the Mission, in which Korneev falsely confirmed the underreported income amount. However, beginning in June 2011, Salomatin began to receive direct payroll deposits from the Russian government into his bank account. Between June 2011 and December 2011, Salomatin received an average of $5,160 a month—over $2,000 more than he reported to Medicaid on the initial application. In February 2011, shortly after Salomatin and Babeva applied for Medicaid benefits, and shortly before they applied for renewal benefits, Salomatin applied for a credit card and represented his salary to be $8,333 a month. In December 2011, while Babeva’s and Salomatin’s children continued to receive Medicaid benefits, Salomatin represented his salary to be $60,000 a year, or $5,000 a month. During the period between February 2012 and December 2012, while their children continued to receive Medicaid benefits, Salomatin and Babeva made and paid for over $50,000 in purchases, including over $8,400 from Apple and over $10,000 from retailers, including, among others, Prada and Bloomingdale’s. Babaeva and her children obtained almost $31,000 in Medicaid benefits to which they were not entitled.

Andrey Artasov and Nataliya Artasova falsely represented to Medicaid that Artasov made only $2,900 a month (or approximately $34,800 a year) in salary in November 2008. In March 2007—over a year-and-a-half prior to Artasova applying for Medicaid, Artasov reported to a credit card company that he made $60,000 a year in salary. In 2008, the year that Artasova received Medicaid benefits, Artasov and Artasova made and paid for over $48,000 in purchases on this credit card, spending thousands of dollars at Swarovski and Apple, among other things.

Each of the defendants was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to steal government funds and make false statements relating to health care matters, which carry maximum sentences of ten years and five years in prison, respectively.

Of the 49 defendants, 11 are currently in the United States. Five of those individuals are diplomats working at the Mission. Five of those individuals are the spouses of the diplomats. One is currently employed at the Russian Federation’s embassy in Washington, D.C., but at the time of the charged offenses was employed at the Consulate. The remaining 38 no longer reside in the United States.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI and thanked the New York City Human Resources Administration and the New York State Department of Health for their assistance in this investigation.

The Office’s Public Corruption and Terrorism and International Narcotics Units are handling the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Ricigliano, Shane Stansbury, and Ian McGinley are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Steven G. Zamiar, Ranking Midlothian Police Officer, Charged with #FederalCivilRightsViolations Involving Alleged Use of #ExcessiveForce

A south suburban Midlothian Police officer was indicted on federal civil rights charges alleging that he used excessive force against two different victims in separate beating incidents in 2010 and 2011. The defendant, Steven G. Zamiar, was indicted on two counts of violating the victims’ civil right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer. The two-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury yesterday and was announced today by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert J. Holley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Zamiar, 46, of Midlothian, joined the Midlothian Police Department in 2000. He was a detective sergeant at the time of the alleged beating in 2010 and was deputy chief when the alleged beating occurred in 2011. He was later demoted to lieutenant and was placed on paid administrative leave this past September. He will be arraigned on a date yet to be scheduled in U.S. District Court.

According to the indictment, on September 6, 2010, when he was a detective sergeant, Zamiar used excessive force, resulting in bodily injury, against Victim A. On November 24, 2011, when he was deputy chief of the Midlothian Police Department, Zamiar allegedly used excessive force, resulting in bodily injury, against Victim B. During the November 2011 incident, Zamiar allegedly used, attempted to use, and threatened to use a dangerous weapon.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted, the court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Otlewski.

An indictment contains merely charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Celebrate "December to Remember" in the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor with Fun Affordable Family Friendly Holiday Events

Make it a “December to Remember” during the month-long celebration in the Cultural Corridor, Downtown Las Vegas. The museums and cultural organizations showcase holiday traditions from around the world with free or affordable family friendly events and performances. For more information, visit www.CulturalCorridorVegas.org or www.facebook.com/culturalcorridor.

EVENT SCHEDULE BY ORGANIZATION

Las Vegas Library
833 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Admission: Free

Holiday Blues Concert
Dec. 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
John Earl and the Boogieman Band rock those winter blues away.

Holiday Favorites Concert
Dec. 21, 1 - 3 p.m.
Celebrate the winter season with Duo Mystique flute and harp, presenting traditional holiday favorites, with a few classical pieces, Celtic tunes, and other musical fare.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum
900 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Admission: Programs are free to Museum members and with General Admission: $10 adult, $8 seniors/military/students 12-17 years, $5 child 3-11 years.

Cultural Fashion Show
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
Celebrate holiday wear across the globe.

Winter Solstice & the Wheel of the Year
Dec. 7, 1 p.m.
Celebrate this event with a Priestess from the Temple of Goddess Spirituality.

Polynesian Traditions
Dec. 8, 1 p.m.
Celebrate the diversity of the Polynesian culture

Scotland in a Suitcase
Dec. 14, 11 a.m.
Unpack the wonderful world of Scotland and its holiday traditions, presented by the St. Andrew’s Society.

Las Vegas Hula
Dec. 14, 1 p.m.
See Las Vegas Hula members perform traditional and modern Polynesian dance styles.

Scottish Traditions
Dec. 15, 1 p.m.
Experience the culture of Scotland.

Winter Solstice and Wheel of the Year
Dec. 21, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Winter Solstice is today! Celebrate this shortest day of the year, and learn about the Wheel of the Year.

The Art of Mummification
Dec. 22, 12 p.m.
Watch as an ancient Egyptian embalmer teaches his apprentice how to mummify a participant.

Kwanzaa
Dec. 22, 1 p.m.
Learn about Kwanzaa’s true meaning with special guest Ellis Rice.

Kwanzaa
Dec. 28, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
Celebrate Kwanzaa and learn about its true meaning.

Winter Break Activities
Dec. 23 - 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; and Dec. 30 – Jan. 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
School may be out, but the museum is open! Spend your winter break making a variety of cultural holiday crafts.

The Mob Museum
300 Stewart Avenue
Repeal Day Party
Dec. 5, 5:30 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $35; $65 for VIP party
Exclusively for ages 21 and over, this event marks the date of the repeal of Prohibition. Enjoy live music, vintage costumes, “Boss of the Bars” competition, prohibition-era cocktails and more; dress in Roaring ‘20s attire to enter the costume contest. Admission includes full access  to the museum, commemorative photo, beverages, and more.

Author’s Talk with David Schwartz
Dec. 14, 1 p.m.
Admission: Free for members; for non-members, included in museum admission ($10 - $19.95)
Nationally renowned author David Schwartz talks about his newest book “Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas,” a biography of Jay Sarno, who built Caesars Palace and helped  inspire modern Las Vegas.

Neon Museum
770 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Holiday Ornament Making and Caroling
Dec. 14, 3 – 6 p.m.
Event admission: Free
Make holiday Ornaments (3 - 5 p.m.), then enjoy hot chocolate and caroling by Las Vegas Academy singers (5 - 6 p.m.) while you enjoy the dazzling lights of the seasonally illuminated  Neon Boneyard.

Holiday Light Display
Now – Dec. 31
Admission: $25 for general admission; $22 for seniors, students, active military and veterans and Nevada residents (must show current ID upon arrival).

Light up your holidays with the museum’s first seasonal holiday-inspired palette of lights; book online for night tours at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
500 E. Washington Avenue
Admission: Free for children 12 and under; $1 for ages 13 and older.

Ornament and Gingerbread House Making
Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Design and make Christmas Ornaments and cards, and decorate a gingerbread house. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available.

Ornament and Card Making
Dec. 14 and 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Design and build Christmas Ornaments and make your own Christmas cards.
Hot cocoa and cookies will be available.

EVENT SCHEDULE BY DATE

Dec. 5
5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Mob Museum
Repeal Day Party
For ages 21 and over.

Dec. 7
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Ornament and Gingerbread House Making

11 a.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Cultural Fashion Show

1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Winter Solstice & Wheel of the Year

Dec. 8
1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Polynesian Traditions

Dec. 14
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Ornament and Card Making

11 a.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Scotland in a Suitcase

1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Las Vegas Hula

1 p.m.
The Mob Museum
Author’s Talk with David Schwartz

2 – 4 p.m.
Las Vegas Library
Free admission
Holiday Blues Concert

3 – 6 p.m.
Neon Museum
Free admission
Holiday Ornament Making and Caroling

Dec. 15
1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Scottish Traditions

Dec. 21
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Ornament and Card Making

11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Winter Solstice and Wheel of the Year

1 – 3 p.m.
Las Vegas Library
Holiday Favorites Concert

Dec. 22
12 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Art of Mummification

1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Kwanzaa; with special guest Ellis Rice

Dec. 28
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Kwanzaa

Dec. 29
1 p.m.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Kwanzaa

The Cultural Corridor in Downtown Las Vegas is on Las Vegas Boulevard between Bonanza Road and Washington Avenue. This nonprofit alliance features seven institutions, each offering unique historical or educational exhibits and programs: Cashman Center, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Las Vegas Library, Las Vegas Shakespeare Company, The Mob Museum, Neon Museum and Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park. For more information, visit www.CulturalCorridorVegas.org.

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