Wynn Facing Fed Probe Tied to VP’s Alleged Liquor Scheme
Posted on: January 22, 2026, 08:30h.
Last updated on: January 22, 2026, 10:06h.
- Whistleblower informed Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding possible improprieties involving alcohol companies and a Wynn nightlife executive
- The assistant US attorney looking into the matter handled the DOJ’s case against Wynn resulting in a $130 million forfeiture in 2024
- As of yet, no charges have been filed
Federal authorities are aware of possible wrongdoing by a Wynn Las Vegas nightlife executive and a potential related cover-up by Wynn Resorts executives.
A source requesting their identification be withheld told Casino.org they’ve been in contact with federal agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), regarding the situation involving Ryan Jones, the assistant vice president of daylife and nightlife at Wynn Las Vegas, allegedly taking millions of dollars from credit cards issued to liquor companies and distributors in what would amount to a pay-for-play scheme. The alleged scheme lasted for years, according to the source.
The whistleblower confirmed they’ve been in touch with Carl Brooker IV, an assistant US attorney in the District of Southern California, as well as an agent with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The source didn’t identify the DHS agent by name, and they added that they reached out to the FBI regarding the matter, but have yet to hear back from that agency.
DOJ’s inquiry into the allegations against Jones is in its nascent stages, and as of yet, no civil or criminal charges have been filed against him or Wynn Resorts. As of this writing, it is believed Jones remains employed by Wynn.
Wynn May Be Dealing with Other Inquiries
The Jones imbroglio could have Wynn contending with a state inquiry as well. The whistleblower said they’ve been in contact with Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Chairman Mike Dreitzer on the matter.
Casino.org reached out directly to Dreitzer who passed a voicemail on to an NGCB staffer, who passed it to another colleague who ultimately responded. When the spokesperson was made aware that this reporter has knowledge of a pending NGCB investigation into Jones’ alleged activities and/or Wynn Las Vegas, she refused to confirm or deny that such an inquiry is taking place.
Then there’s the matter of an internal investigation. As mentioned in Casino.org’s original reporting on the purported Jones caper, Wynn has hired an external law firm to investigate the issue, and the findings of that query could be delivered to the casino operator’s board of directors next month. The source revealed that the law firm is Greenberg Traurig.
The firm has a Las Vegas office and has previously represented gaming industry clients such as Golden Entertainment in that company’s recent announcement of a management-led buyout. A request for comment was made to Greenberg Traurig on Tuesday evening. The firm hasn’t responded as of this writing.
Brooker Familiar to Wynn
Brooker, the aforementioned US attorney with whom the whistleblower has been in contact, is familiar to Wynn and the casino company’s investors. Along with Mark Pletcher, Brooker prosecuted the case against Wynn Las Vegas that resulted in a 2024 forfeiture of $130.13 million — the largest federal levy in history against a single gaming venue.
That case and subsequent financial penalty stemmed from a wide-ranging investigation that unearthed lax money transfer protocols at Wynn Las Vegas and violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws.
Wynn Las Vegas was also hit with a $5.3 million fine in May 2025 from the NGCB related to that case. The company said it fired the employees involved in the money transfer scheme and bolstered its internal controls.
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