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Brothel Owner Running for Nevada Legislature Found Dead

Dennis Hof, the flamboyant pimp and Republican nominee who was expected to win a seat in the Nevada state Assembly next month, has died at his signature brothel, according to Nye County officials.

By David Montero

Dennis Hof, the flamboyant pimp and Republican nominee who was expected to win a seat in the Nevada state Assembly next month, has died at his signature brothel, according to Nye County officials.

He was 72.

Nye County spokesman Arnold Knightly said Hof's death was announced during the Nye County Commission meeting by Chairman John Koenig. Knightly said Koenig told the room that Hof "went to sleep last night and didn't wake up this morning."

Detectives and deputies were at the Love Ranch Brothel in Crystal, just outside Pahrump, on Monday investigating the death.

Nye County Sheriff Lt. David Boruchowitz said an employee at the brothel called authorities before 11 a.m. after Hof was found unresponsive and not breathing., according to The Associated Press.

Hof, who had garnered national attention by unseating a three-term incumbent during a June primary, was the likely favorite to win the rural district that is overwhelmingly Republican.

Chuck Muth, his campaign manager, also tweeted out the news of Hof's death.

Hof, who first gained fame in an HBO series about his business, had just celebrated his birthday at a large party at another of his brothels, the Moonlight Bunny Ranch in Northern Nevada, on Saturday.

In 2015, former L.A. Laker Lamar Odom was found unconscious at the Love Ranch after ingesting cocaine and numerous doses of a Viagra-like medication.

(c)2018 Los Angeles Times

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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