Bonaventura’s Murky Past Being Kept from Voters

(Bonnie Jacobs/Jacobs PR Research) – John Bonaventura, the Democratic Candidate for Las Vegas Constable, has a surprising history which has been withheld from voters, including a recent Bankruptcy which cost creditors over $186,000.00; a child custody battle which included allegations of domestic violence, temporary restraining orders and violations of the TROs; and Energy Ventures Organization, Inc., the business for which Mr. Bonaventura touts as being CEO, being sued for Fraud.

Public records reveal the following information:

John Bonaventura married Susan Rubyor in May 1991. (source: Clark County Recorder’s website)

John and Susan Bonaventura filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy on February 19, 1999. (source: U.S. Federal Court’s PACER system)

• At the time of the filing, the Bonaventuras listed a total of $147,533.89 in unsecured debt, almost exclusively credit card debt accumulated during the marriage. (source: U.S. Federal Court’s PACER system)

• The bankruptcy was discharged in September 2003 with creditors losing over $186,000.00 (source: U.S. Federal Court’s PACER system)

In June 1999, shortly after filing the Bankruptcy petition the Bonaventuras were served with a Five Day Pay or Quit, giving them five days to pay past due rent or be evicted from their rental home. The home was owned by a family member. (source: U.S. Federal Court’s PACER system)

• The Las Vegas Justice Court granted the eviction on June 21, 1999 giving the Bonaventuras one week to vacate the premises. (source: Las Vegas Justice Court)

Less than two months after the couple was notified of their eminent eviction, John Bonaventura filed for divorce from Susan Bonaventura, on August 6, 1999. John and Susan had two children together. (source: Clark County Family Court)

The divorce was finalized on February 2, 2000. (sources: Clark County Family Court & U.S. Federal Court PACER system)

John Bonaventura married Gloria Diaz-Velasco in April 2001. (source: Clark County Recorder’s website)

In February 2004, John Bonaventura formed Energy Ventures Organization, Inc. along with Conrad Vergara. (source: Nevada Secretary of State)

On June 19, 2006 Energy Ventures Organization, Inc., John Bonaventura and Conrad Vergara were sued for Fraud by Apollo Alternative Fuels Company, LLC and Apollo Resources International, Inc. in Texas. (source: U.S. Federal Court’s PACER system)

• The case was settled out of court in June 2007 and the terms were not disclosed. (source: U.S. Federal Court’s PACER system)

Susan Bonaventura-Rubyor filed to modify the custody, visitation schedules and support for the children on November 15, 2006. Susan alleged that John had committed Fraud upon the Court, that he was the perpetrator of domestic violence, that he had been the served with three Temporary Protection Orders (“TPO”) and that he violated a TPO. Further, Susan requested that custody exchanges occur at a police station. (source: Clark County Family Court [note: the Court redacted certain exhibits from the attached Motion])

• After nearly two years the custody battle was resolved. John Bonaventura lost one day’s visitation per week with his son and lost a much more significant amount of time with his daughter, only being allowed visitation every other weekend. (source: Clark County Family Court)

Nevada PAC, a Political Action Committee was formed in September 2008. Its officers are Anthony Wernicke, John Bonaventura, Gloria Bonaventura and Conrad Vergara. (source: Nevada Secretary of State)

• Nevada PAC did not engage in fundraising or make candidate donations for the 2008 general election or the 2009 Municipal elections. (source: Nevada Secretary of State)

• Nevada PAC raised $5,600.00 in the 2010 Reporting Period 1 (January 1, 2010 through May 27, 2010). (source: Nevada Secretary of State)

o Funds were received from:
 Jeffrey Durbin, $100.00
 Salli Durbin, $500.00
 Energy Ventures Organization, Inc., $5,000.00
o Recipients of Nevada PAC funds were:
 Network Solutions, Inc., $100.00 for advertising
 Nathan Schlumpf for State Senate 5, $1,000.00
 Gloria Bonaventura for County Clerk, $3,000.00
 Jesse Cantero for Assembly District 8, $500.00
 Anthony Wernicke for County Assessor, $500.00
 John Bonaventura for Las Vegas Constable, $500.00
o Officers of Nevada PAC received $4,000.00 of the $5,600.00 raised during the 2010 Reporting Period 1.

• Nevada PAC did not raise or make candidate donations in the 2010 Reporting Period 2 (May 28, 2010 through October 21, 2010). (source: Nevada Secretary of State)

I find it disturbing that a candidate for office would have this kind of background and still believe that voters should elect him to a position which has him oversee a multi-million dollar budget and be dealing with the Courts on a daily basis. It is imperative that the voters of Clark County know this information so they have the opportunity to elect a candidate that has the experience and ability to properly run the Las Vegas Constable’s office.