LAS VEGAS – The elder half of a father-son team of southern Nevada striptease club owners is suing his son, claiming he embezzled money and diverted dancers from one club to help establish a posh new club.

The suit filed Monday in Clark County District Court alleges that Michael Galardi took more than $530,000 from Cheetah’s in Las Vegas and diverted those funds to Jaguars, a $15 million, 20,000-square-foot striptease palace he opened in summer 2002 just off the Las Vegas Strip.

The lawsuit seeks more than $1.5 million in damages, alleging that Michael Galardi tried to destroy Cheetah’s.

Michael Galardi was forced to give up his share of the business after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges in Las Vegas and San Diego. He is due for sentencing in San Diego in April.

The younger Galardi also sold his Jaguars and Leopard Lounge strip clubs to Jack Galardi.

Jack Galardi has closed Jaguars while applying for liquor licenses in his name at the three Las Vegas area clubs.