Kirk Vartanian Bails Out Of Jail

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

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Andres Araiza
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Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- A Fresno business man facing a mountain of legal trouble is back at home after spending more than 10 days in jail.

Vartanian's family had to put up more than $75,000 to get him free. He hoped to leave jail last week. Just after 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, we watched when Vartanian got out of custody. Now, his legal troubles are just beginning.

Reporter asked, "Kirk, can you tell us how you are feeling now that you left jail?" Vartanian said, "Not right now, I will let you guys know probably Thursday?" Reporter asked, "Anything you want to say about the allegations against you?"

Kirk Vartanian said nothing else as he left the Fresno County Jail. Police arrested Vartanian 10 days ago accusing him of domestic violence. But it was an issue with two Las Vegas casinos that kept Vartanian in jail for so long. Vegas law enforcement accused Vartanian of what amounts to writing bad checks totaling $250,000. The man's attorney David Balakian told Action News, they reached an agreement with the DA's office in Nevada, "The Vegas matter, the district attorney said they wanted $60,000. We said fine."

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Vartanian could be facing more criminal charges. Last week, DMV investigators raided "Auto Gallery" -- a high end car dealership in North Fresno owned by Vartanian. The state is looking into complaints involving allegations of grand theft. Before all these troubles, the businessman hoped to redevelop Granite Park. He did briefly reopen a nightclub at the property, but Vartanian threatened to stop his investments after his recent arrest. Balakian said, "He has a fond desire for Granite Park. He would love to see it flourish. He would love to be a part of it. What his intentions are at this time, I don't know. That's his decision."

Vartanian now has two parallel criminal cases. One in Fresno. The other in Las Vegas. His next local court hearing is scheduled for next week.