Harry E. Claiborne's life was a complex tapestry woven with threads of public ambition, legal prominence, and profound personal challenges. From his early, albeit unsuccessful, foray into senatorial politics to his appointment as a federal judge, Claiborne was a notable figure in Nevada's legal landscape. However, his career took a dramatic turn with a conviction for tax evasion, leading to his impeachment and imprisonment. Despite these public setbacks,
he maintained a degree of respect within his professional community, even as he battled severe health issues in his later years.
Early Political Aspirations and Legal Career
In 1964, Harry E. Claiborne launched a last-minute campaign for the United States Senate, entering the Democratic primary against his friend, incumbent Senator Howard Cannon. Claiborne later indicated that he was recruited to run by party activists who were concerned that Cannon's connections to Bobby Baker, a Senate secretary embroiled in a financial scandal, might cost the party the seat. Despite other contenders in the primary, Claiborne was seen as a significant threat to Cannon due to his high profile in Las Vegas and his "man-on-the-street appeal."
Journalist Jude Wanniski described Claiborne as "forceful, animated and determined," noting his vigorous, if sometimes unpolished, speaking style. However, his primary campaign was largely uncoordinated and widely considered hopeless by political analysts. Cannon ultimately secured the nomination with 59% of the vote, while Claiborne placed third. Despite the loss, Claiborne publicly congratulated Cannon and pledged his support for the general election. Years later, Claiborne reflected that he had "misjudged the Baker factor," believing it would have a greater impact on Cannon's chances.
Judicial Appointment and the Onset of Legal Troubles
Harry E. Claiborne's career reached a pinnacle with his appointment as a federal judge. However, this period also marked the beginning of the legal challenges that would ultimately define his public legacy. In April 1977, Joe Conforte, a former client of Claiborne's and owner of the Mustang Ranch brothel, was arrested on income tax evasion charges. Conforte later fled the country in 1980 after losing his appeal but, before doing so, offered to become a federal witness, claiming he had bribed various officials, including Claiborne.
Conforte alleged that he paid Claiborne $85,000 to influence federal appeals judges to reverse his tax conviction and quash subpoenas for two prostitutes. These allegations initiated a complex investigation involving the FBI and IRS. Despite initial skepticism from IRS officials regarding Conforte's credibility, the investigation proceeded, leading to Claiborne's indictment in December 1983 on charges of bribery, fraud, and tax evasion. The initial trial ended in a mistrial due to inconsistencies in Conforte's testimony, particularly regarding his whereabouts during alleged bribe payments.
Conviction, Imprisonment, and Post-Judicial Life
Claiborne's legal ordeal culminated in a second trial in July 1984, where prosecutors dropped the bribery charges and focused solely on tax evasion. He was convicted the following month for failing to report over $107,000 in income from his legal practice on his 1979 and 1980 federal income tax returns. On August 10, 1984, Claiborne was fined $10,000 and sentenced to two years in prison, becoming the first federal judge to be convicted of crimes while on the bench. He served 17 months of his sentence, from March 1986 to October 1987.
Following his conviction, Claiborne was impeached from his federal judgeship and disbarred in Nevada in 1986. However, in a decision that implicitly questioned the federal prosecution, the Nevada Supreme Court allowed him to resume practicing law in 1987. Despite his public downfall, Claiborne remained respected within the Las Vegas legal community, with future Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman serving as his attorney. In his later years, Claiborne faced severe health issues, including prostate cancer that spread, a heart attack, and progressing Alzheimer's disease. He died by suicide on January 19, 2004, in Las Vegas, a decision attributed to his considerable pain and declining health.
