The Region - News from May 2, 1985

Bar owner Joseph Matranga pleaded guilty to contempt of court involving an attempt to defraud the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas of gambling debts. Matranga, 63, had been set for trial in San Diego federal court on charges of mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice and commit perjury. Also pleading guilty to contempt of court in the same case was Dr. Goetz Wentzel, 56, a Claremont gynecologist. Both will be sentenced June 24. Assistant U.S. Atty. Charles Gorder said the maximum time Matranga could receive on the contempt charge is one year and one day in jail, which would run concurrently with a sentence imposed March 20 for a separate conviction on extortion and loan sharking. Matranga, owner of the Showboat Bar, was convicted last month of 10 counts of extortion involving an admitted con man, Harry Hall, 66, who owed Matranga hundreds of thousands of dollars. Matranga is free on $200,000 bail on condition that he not contact Hall.