Ben Schmoutey; Labor Leader Convicted of Fraud

Ben Schmoutey, 74, powerful Las Vegas labor leader convicted on federal fraud charges in 1987. A member of Culinary Local 226 for 26 years and its secretary-treasurer from 1977 to 1981, Schmoutey was convicted along with reputed mobster Joey Cusumano of trying to collect $315,000 in kickbacks from a union health insurance company. He served two years of a five-year prison sentence, and after his release was reduced to earning his living as a parking lot attendant and kitchen helper. Schmoutey was acquitted in 1979 of firebombing Las Vegas restaurants of owners who resisted unionization. A native of Lebanon, Mo., Schmoutey served in the Navy during World War II. Later settling in Las Vegas, he was a chef at the Sands Hotel when he became involved in working for the union. On Wednesday in Las Vegas.