Circa CEO Derek Stevens Accused of Encouraging Brutal Beating of Homeless Man

Circa Resort & Casino CEO Derek Stevens allegedly encouraged a security guard to brutally beat a homeless man outside the downtown Las Vegas property, even moving the man’s belongings to make more room for the assault, according to allegations detailed in a new federal lawsuit.

The allegations have surfaced in a legal battle over whether insurance giant Chubb must cover potential damages arising from the July 2022 attack, for which the security guard was subsequently convicted of a felony.

On July 29, 2022, Lance Koiner and another unhoused person were sitting on the sidewalk outside Circa with their belongings when Stevens ordered them to leave, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Nevada by Chubb subsidiary ACE American Insurance Co.

Koiner refused, prompting Stevens to instruct uniformed Circa security guard Dwan Denton to remove him, the filing alleges.

Denton then picked up Koiner, repeatedly slammed him into the pavement, and kicked him, according to the complaint, which says Circa’s surveillance cameras captured the assault.

Stevens allegedly “condoned and facilitated” the beating, encouraged it, and moved Koiner’s belongings to give Denton additional room, according to allegations from Koiner’s civil lawsuit recounted in the insurer’s filing.

Security Guard Convicted

Koiner was knocked unconscious and taken to a hospital, according to the complaint. He alleges a traumatic brain injury and spinal injuries requiring surgery, along with other potentially permanent disabilities.

Denton pleaded guilty to felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm, the insurer’s lawsuit states. A judgment of conviction was entered January 5, 2024.

In his written plea agreement, Denton admitted throwing Koiner to the ground multiple times and/or kicking him, causing substantial bodily harm, according to the filing.

Koiner sued Stevens, Denton, and Circa-related companies in Clark County District Court in July 2024. His lawsuit alleges negligence, assault, battery, civil conspiracy, harassment, coercion, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and seeks more than $1 million in damages, including punitive damages.

The allegations against Stevens have not been established by a court judgment. Casino.org has approached Circa for comment but had not heard back at the time of publication.

$10 Million Coverage Dispute

ACE sued Stevens and several Circa entities on October 20, asking a federal judge to rule that it has no obligation to cover the claims.

Its excess umbrella policy provides up to $10 million per occurrence, but contains an “abuse or molestation” exclusion that explicitly covers physical abuse. ACE argues the alleged beating falls within that exclusion, including claims that Circa negligently employed or supervised Denton.

Circa’s main insurer, Zurich American, is currently providing lawyers for Stevens, Circa, and Denton, although it may still dispute coverage. ACE has also appointed lawyers to assist with the case but says it has no obligation to cover legal costs unless the primary insurance is exhausted.

ACE wants a declaration that it will not have to defend or pay damages, even if the primary policy is exhausted.