Kirk Vartanian: Unraveling The Complex Saga Of A Fresno Businessman

In the annals of Fresno's business landscape, few names have garnered as much public attention and controversy as Krikor "Kirk" Vartanian. A figure synonymous with ambition, high-stakes ventures, and a string of significant legal entanglements, Vartanian's story is a compelling narrative of a businessman whose dealings often veered into the realm of the questionable. From luxury car dealerships to nightclubs, and from grand theft charges to domestic disputes and casino debts, Vartanian's life has been a tumultuous journey under the spotlight of local and even national media. This article delves into the various facets of his storied career and the legal battles that have defined much of his public persona.

The Long Arm of the Law: Grand Theft and Failed Business Dealings

At the core of Kirk Vartanian's legal troubles were serious allegations of grand theft, primarily stemming from his business operations. His name became particularly associated with a failed luxury car dealership, where customers reportedly fell victim to "questionable deals."

The Luxury Car Dealership Scandal

One of the most prominent chapters in Vartanian's legal saga involved his luxury car dealership located on East Shaw Avenue in Fresno. For two years, Vartanian vehemently maintained his innocence against charges of felony grand theft. However, in a significant turn of events, he ultimately pleaded no contest to one count of felony grand theft earlier this year, involving business dealings at his failed establishment. This plea, according to a story by the Fresno Bee, led to a sentence of five years of probation and 1,000 hours of community service. In exchange for this plea, 14 other felony charges were dropped, though he was reportedly still facing a total of 16 grand theft charges at one point.

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Prosecutors also alleged that as far back as 2007, Vartanian had passed 16 bad checks, further complicating his financial and legal standing. The investigation into his business practices was extensive, with reports indicating that investigators descended on "Pacific Marine Center" early one Monday morning, removing several thousand dealer jackets to determine if "Sona Vartanian" (whose relation is not specified but likely a business associate or family member) was involved. This period marked Vartanian as a "notorious Fresno businessman" who, after his sentencing, was reportedly trying to leave town.

Business Ventures Under Scrutiny

Beyond the car dealership, Kirk Vartanian was known for his involvement in Fresno's nightlife and development scene. He briefly reopened a nightclub at Granite Park, an ambitious effort to revive the development. However, his ongoing legal troubles consistently hampered these endeavors. The "nearly stopped his efforts" phrase aptly describes how the weight of his legal battles, including multiple grand theft charges, overshadowed his attempts at business revival. He also owned other clubs, including "The Edge" and another establishment in the Fig Garden Village, where he was notably arrested on separate charges. His ventures, though often high-profile, seemed perpetually shadowed by the cloud of his legal predicaments.

Beyond Business: Domestic Issues and Casino Debts

Vartanian's legal woes were not confined to his business dealings. His personal life also became a subject of public record, particularly concerning allegations of domestic violence and significant gambling debts.

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Domestic Violence Allegations

In a stark turn, Kirk Vartanian was arrested on charges of spousal abuse, false imprisonment, and assault with a deadly weapon. According to Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, Vartanian was arrested on a Friday night after a woman called the police to report a violent beating, with officers finding bruises and red marks. Vartanian made his first court appearance on a Wednesday, pleading not guilty to these domestic violence charges. This arrest occurred approximately 10 days before a court appearance related to other matters, highlighting the escalating nature of his legal troubles. Interestingly, it was not just the domestic violence charges that kept him in jail for an extended period, but also "an issue with two Las Vegas casinos," indicating a complex web of legal entanglements.

High Stakes and High Debts: Casino Troubles

Vartanian's financial difficulties extended to the glittering world of Las Vegas casinos. His problems with casinos reportedly date back as far as 1995, as discovered by Action News, which uncovered a case titled "MGM Grand Hotel vs. Kirk Vartanian," where a judge had ordered him to repay debts. In 2009, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC also filed an "Other - Other Judgment" court case against him in Fresno County Superior Courts, with records available from Bf Sisk.

His appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court on two charges of theft and two charges of passing bad checks further underscored his struggles with gambling and financial accountability. These issues with Las Vegas law enforcement were significant enough to contribute to his prolonged stay in jail, even after his arrest for domestic violence. At 40 years old at the time of one of these court appearances, Vartanian's life was a clear illustration of how personal habits and financial dealings could intertwine to create a cascade of legal consequences.

The Aftermath: A Life Under Probation

Despite the severity of the charges and the public scrutiny, Kirk Vartanian avoided a jail sentence for the grand theft conviction, instead receiving five years of probation and 1,000 hours of community service. This outcome, delivered at Fresno Superior Court, was a direct result of his no-contest plea. Upon his release from Fresno County Jail, Vartanian was seen heading directly to "The Edge," one of his Fresno nightclubs, a symbolic return to the world he had tried to navigate amidst his legal challenges. His attorney, David Balakian, indicated Vartanian was "surprised" by the turn of events, even after two years of denying his involvement in the grand theft allegations.

Final Summary

Kirk Vartanian's story is a vivid illustration of the complexities that can arise when business ambitions collide with legal and personal challenges. From his failed luxury car dealership that led to felony grand theft charges and a significant probation sentence, to his attempts to revive local developments like Granite Park, Vartanian's business endeavors were frequently overshadowed by his legal entanglements. Beyond the professional sphere, his life was marked by serious domestic violence allegations and substantial, long-standing debts to Las Vegas casinos, which even influenced the duration of his incarceration. Ultimately, Vartanian remains a notable figure in Fresno's recent history, his name synonymous with a series of high-profile legal battles that paint a picture of a life lived on the edge, constantly navigating the consequences of his actions.