The former owner of the Cheers Poker Room in Salem, New Hampshire, Donato “Dan” Dandreo III, is suing the city of Salem and a former casino competitor.
Dandreo, who is acting as his own attorney, claims fraud, conspiracy, racketeering, discrimination, unequal and unfair competitive economic advantage manipulation, unfair and deceptive business practices and public corruption.
He is suing seven departments and committees of the town, the town manager and the former deputy police chief, Robert Morin. He is also suing a former member of the Board of Selectmen, Lisa Withrow.
Dandreo alleges that Salem officials conspired to give two cardrooms Withrow owned a competitive advantage by approving their permits faster than normal. He seeks $15 million in damages and wants a jury trial.
The lawsuit also alleges that Withrow pressured the former police chief to extort money from Dandreo, ordering him to pay the police for extra officer details.
The town planner says the added police details were required of Withrow’s two card rooms as well.
The town has yet to file an answer to Dandreo’s suit.
