Tucson Daily Citizen in Tucson, Arizona

Cohen Admits Running Bigtime Gambling In Los Angeles

Mickey Cohen testified at his tax evasion trial that he ran a large gambling operation in Los Angeles during the 1940s. He described an undercover Ambassador Hotel casino earning 15 000 to 20 000 dollars a month, with one month reaching 70 000 dollars, and said gambling extended to Burbank San Bernardino Orange County Lake Arrowhead and Watts. He noted the operation spanned seven to eight months and included a 5 percent cut off the top. Cohen, who spent years in federal prison after a 1950 tax evasion conviction, claimed he quit gambling after release. The government seeks about 400 000 dollars. defense motions for acquittal were denied.