A Vegas Notion: Hire an Accused Felon

By: Anna Crane In what some might call a publicity stunt to increase readership, Las Vegas Tribune Editor Rolando Larraz made an interesting hire in early September: Frances Deane, former recorder in Clark County, Nev. And, in what others might call an effort to regain public credibility, Deane accepted.

Why such skepticism? Deane was a former government official who was removed from office, faces 19 felony charges, and allegedly stole public data and sold it for personal profit.

Deane was hired as a staff reporter and photographer for the Las Vegas paper. She denies any wrongdoing (her court date is set for April 30), and is using her time in the media's harsh spotlight as a catalyst for a new career in journalism.

"It's interesting to do, after having been the subject of many negative, un-thought-out newspaper articles and media attention," says Deane. "I have made a promise to myself to treat my subjects better than I had been treated ? treat them in a very thorough manner."

A photographer in her free time, Deane was hired to shoot and write about local events. Larraz was particularly impressed by photos of horses she took while reporting on a show in the area, saying they were "just beautiful."

So far, Deane has mostly been writing human interest stories ? weddings, community events, and the like. She says these are just the kind of stories that she wants to tell: "I came to [Larraz] with the idea that I want to write about happy people doing successful things."

Regardless of whether readers can accept Deane as a reporter, however, Larraz stands by his decision to hire her. "I hope that people are not that narrow-minded, but it's possible," he says. "That's a chance I'm going to take."

Larraz was a political supporter of Deane when she ran for office, and the Las Vegas Tribune editorially endorsed her. He believes that Deane should not have been removed from office unless she was found guilty, and that she deserves a job just like anyone else.

As for the allegations that this is a publicity stunt, Larraz agrees that everyone might benefit from the free publicity but maintains that Deane was truly a qualified hire: "I hope that people will enjoy her pieces. She's a good lady, she's a very intelligent person, and a fantastic photographer."