Judge issues warrant for man charged with trying to extort Steve Wynn
π A judge has issued an arrest warrant for Michael Alexander Loizias, a 43-year-old Sanford resident charged with felony extortion against Steve Wynn.
βοΈ Palm Beach County Judge James Nutt revoked Loizias's $40,000 bond after he failed to appear at his scheduled hearing on May 14.
π The warrant follows charges filed by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office on March 12 for threats or extortion made against Wynn.
π° Loizias allegedly demanded $1 million from billionaire Steve Wynn by a March 2 deadline according to threatening letters sent to Wynn's Palm Beach estate.
π© Police arrested Loizias on February 9 after he mailed two packages containing threatening letters and extortion demands to Wynn.
β οΈ Court records reveal earlier in 2023, Loizias sent dozens of emails to Wynn including his Las Vegas address and instructions to send money via Bank of America.
π« A notice regarding the hearing was returned as undeliverable when mailed to Loizias's Sanford address on file.
π€ Loizias has pleaded not guilty to the felony extortion charges brought against him by prosecutors.
π¨ββοΈ He is currently represented by the Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, which maintains a policy of not commenting on open cases.
π‘ Steve Wynn resides at a 2.79-acre estate on South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach with his wife of nearly 15 years.
π Forbes estimates Wynn's net worth at $3.9 billion following his tenure as CEO and co-founder of Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts.
- Steve Wynn, billionaire former resort and casino owner, has a net worth of $3.9 billion according to Forbes.com.
- Wynn is the co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, demonstrating a strong legacy in the hospitality industry.
- Steve Wynn, former chairman and CEO of Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, is facing extortion threats demanding $1 million by March 2, despite his $3.9 billion net worth.
- A judge revoked Loizias's $40,000 bond on May 14 for failing to appear, with a warrant now issued for his arrest as of May 15.
- Loizias sent threatening packages and emails to Wynn in January and February, including details about Wynn's Las Vegas address and personal estate on South Ocean Boulevard.
- The extortion attempt targeted both Wynn's residence and business connections, potentially disrupting operations at Wynn Resorts or causing reputational damage.