Ricki Barlow Pleads Guilty To Misusing 2015 Campaign Funds

LAS VEGAS, NV - Ricki Barlow, former Ward 5 Las Vegas City Councilman, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge Monday in Las Vegas.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Barlow pocketed nearly $50,000 in a "kick back scheme" involving friends he hired to work on his campaign.

“Rather than serving the community he was elected to represent, Ricki Barlow abused his position of trust and concocted a scheme to line his own pockets,” said acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of Barlow's conduct. “Corruption at any level of the government harms the community by undermining the public’s confidence in their elected leaders and government. Because the effects of corruption are so corrosive, the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners are committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting official corruption wherever it exists.”

Barlow resigned his position in January, admitting to using 2015 campaign funds for personal use. His resignation came over a year after he announced he was being investigated by the FBI in September 2016.

Announcing his resignation last month, Barlow said, "I accept full personally responsibly for my conduct violating the federal criminal law."

"I am resolved to face the painful consequences of that conduct in a way and with a spirit that will best compensate for my wrongdoing and will best help me become a better man," he said.

Barlow's sentencing is May 31st.

Special Election

On Feb. 7, Las Vegas City Council unanimously decided to fill the Ward 5 seat through a special election. Eleven candidates have filed to replace Barlow in a special city council election that will be held on March 27.

The candidates who have filed for the Ward 5 seat are:

• Curtis Coleman
• Sheila Collins
• Cedric Crear
• Timothy V. Hicks
• Shannon Hopkins
• Walter Jones III
• Patricia S. Messinger
• Joeseph "Joe" Mitchell
• Harvey Munford
• Shonda Summers-Armstrong
• Randy Voyard

Residents of Ward 5 can cast their vote at any of the following four locations:

• Tobler Elementary School, 6510 W. Buckskin Ave.
• Doolittle Community Center, 1950 J St.
• Culley Elementary School, 1200 N. Mallard St.
• Las Vegas City Hall, 496 Main St.