• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Lombardo attorneys seek delay in ethics case over campaign use of badge, uniform

Attorneys for Gov. Joe Lombardo are requesting the Nevada Commission on Ethics delay next week’s planned judgment hearing and a proposed $1.6 million fine over the former Clark County sheriff’s use of badge and uniform in his 2022 campaign for governor.

Lombardo’s lawyers filed a motion Friday, saying they discovered during an unscheduled status conference with commission attorneys on Thursday that two commissioners — Amanda Yen and James Oscarson — would be absent from the scheduled June 13 hearing.

While three commissioners — Kim Wallin, Teresa Lowry and Thoran Towler — would be able to attend the five-member hearing panel and thereby establish a quorum, attorneys for Lombardo noted that Wallin and Lowry are Democrats and Towler (a nonpartisan) was appointed to the commission by former Gov. Steve Sisolak, whom Lombardo defeated in the 2022 election.

“At a minimum, such an arrangement appears inconsistent with the Legislature’s intent that the Commission’s composition not be unduly balanced in favor of any one political party,” attorneys for Lombardo wrote in the filing.

Several of the commissioners have electoral history. Wallin, a Democrat, served two terms as state Controller. Lowry ran for state Senate as a Democrat in 2014, and Oscarson served three terms in the Assembly as a Republican.

Attorneys with the commission are recommending the entity censure Lombardo, designate an ethics officer within the Republican governor’s office and impose a more than $1.6 million fine for multiple social media posts and other election materials produced during his successful campaign for governor last year.

The commission consists of eight members — four appointed by the governor and four appointed by the Legislative Commission, with a requirement in state law prohibiting the commission from having more than four members of the same political party.

Ross Armstrong, the executive director of the ethics commission, said in an email Friday that the commission was aware of the request and “will be responding.” He said the motion by Lombardo’s attorneys would be decided by the presiding officer in the hearing, which in this case is Wallin.

Attorneys for the governor have vehemently pushed back against the commission attorney’s legal analysis that cited Lombardo for 34 distinct violations of two state ethics statutes, for a total of 68 violations.

The commission can fine up to $5,000 for a first willful violation of state law, $10,000 for a separate wilful violation and $25,000 for a third violation. The legal analysis imposed a fine for each time Lombardo’s campaign posted an image, published a video or used imagery of Lombardo wearing his uniform, badge or gun in campaign materials. The calculations of those instances led to a total fine of $1.6 million.

Attorneys representing Lombardo and the commission are scheduled to present arguments to the full ethics commission board during the June 13 hearing in what could be described as a mini-trial.

Following the hearing, members will issue a ruling on whether Lombardo violated state law, and all parties will have the opportunity to challenge the ruling in the state’s court system.

The issue of Lombardo’s use of so-called office accouterments in his campaign for governor came up after two complaints were filed in 2021, kicking off a multiyear investigatory process by the state ethics commission, an eight-member body appointed by the governor and Legislative Commission charged with interpreting and enforcing Nevada’s ethics laws.

At least one member of the commission, attorney Damian Sheets, resigned over the investigation into Lombardo.

This story is used with permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for updates to this and other stories.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division is seeking information from the public to identify a suspect in a vehicle burglary investigation.

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space is introducing the capital city's first Trails Challenge in hopes of turning it into an annual outdoor adventure.

Carson Water Subconservancy District will host its two-day “Get on the Bus!” tour of the Carson River Watershed June 11-12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expert guides will cover topics ranging from water rights, river-restoration projects, and water quality and quantity to floodplain management, regenerative agriculture, and more.

Stuff a cop car with food on May 18

A “Stuff the Cop Car With Food” event will be held at Smith’s Food Food and Drug parking lot in Dayton on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10am until 3pm.

A 63-year-old housekeeper was arrested Thursday for 14 counts of credit card fraud and other offenses after allegedly stealing a credit card belonging to an 86-year-old patient who family members said was being treated for a stroke at a local care facility, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office detective.

Marie Finkes is the director of FitzHenry’s Funeral Home in Carson City, and said that over the past year, there have been 12 bodies under her care that have been subject to extended stays. This is due to the fact that Carson City Public Administrator Scott Hoen has ignored their repeated requests for an electronic signature releasing the body for cremation.

Have you ever wanted to learn the old art of Blacksmithing? Early smiths made wagon parts, handmade tools, shaped ornamental pieces, horseshoes, hinges and just about anything to having to do with working metal into a desired shape or purpose.

Some of our fellow residents enjoying their home on a perfect spring day in Washoe Valley.

Carson City Shorts presents the first-ever Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition, inviting filmmakers from near and far to embark on an interstellar journey of storytelling and imagination. Presented by Silver State Storytellers, this competition challenges participants to create compelling sci-fi short films that push the boundaries of creativity and transport audiences to distant galaxies.

Pioneer Academy in Carson City celebrated their outstanding students at a combined National Honor Society Induction and awards ceremony Thursday, April 25, 2024. Thirty-eight students received awards for attendance, scholarship and excellence in the classroom.

The Virginia Truckee Railroad begins its 49th season on May 25, 2024, with an exciting schedule of both steam and diesel locomotives. The scenic train ride departs daily from the original Virginia City depot where millionaires and miners sought their fortunes 150 years ago.

Carson City School Trustees heard an update regarding the proposed absorption of Pioneer Academy under Carson High School.

Tux: the official Linux mascot

Curious about Linux? Long time user? Join us for the March meeting of the Carson City Linux Users Group. We meet on the third Saturday of each month, and have great information and discussions of interest to any level of experience with Linux.

Sierra Nevada Realtors this week released its April 2024 report on existing home sales in Carson City, Lyon, Douglas, Storey, Washoe and Churchill counties. This report includes the median sales price and number of home sales in the region. SNR obtains its information from the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service.

On May 15th, 2024, shortly after midnight, deputies with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located on the 600 block of Angela Street in Fernley, Nev., reference a caller who reported that he had murdered his mother. The caller additionally provided that he barricaded himself inside the house, was armed with a rifle, and had planted pipe bombs at the residence.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and as part of that, Partnership Carson City (PCC) and OSP Northern Nevada are holding a workshop focused on suicide prevention training.

victorian style parlor with three ladies seated around a table with a tea set

You are invited to join Mrs. Eilley Bowers at Bowers Mansion for the Spring Living History Day. The mansion will be open to visitors for self guided tours featuring local living interpreters who will be sharing demonstrations of life during the 19th century. Also featured will be a historical talk about the mansion at the top of the hour.

Caught this beautiful perspective on Mothers Day.

Meet Matrix, Nevada Humane Society, Carson City branch Pet of the Week. Matrix, is a delightful 3-year-old pit mix girl who came into our care at the end of April. From the moment she arrived, it was clear she has an incredible affinity for people. Her warm, affectionate nature quickly endears her to everyone she encounters.

The Carson City School District took time at the School Board meeting Tuesday night to recognize 22 individuals with the “Distinguished Student Award.” The student winners were selected by administrators and recognized from their respective schools as having specific qualities, skills and characteristics that distinguished them.

Carson City Sheriff’s Office investigators are asking the public for help in identifying a vehicle and suspect linked to the theft of a catalytic converter earlier this year.

Join the Senator Youth Football Camp for K-8th graders. $80 covers 3-nights of camp from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., June 17, 18, and 19. Led by the CHS high school coaches and players, children will learn techniques for all positions, play games, and compete.

Carson High School Wrestling invites you to our annual Golf Tournament on June 15th, 2024, at Silver Oak Golf Course in Carson City. This event is crucial for our program's success as it serves as our main fundraiser.

Spring is in the air and with it, babies! Several new foals have been spotted among herds in Mound House and Dayton. Photos submitted by Gary K. Gundlach.

In April Carson City Moose Lodge #2709 selected its officers for 2024. Jeff Williams is the new President, Rosemarie Menapace, Vice President, David Wroth, Sgt of Arms, Ron Rehn, Chaplain, Nathan Rakestraw, Treasurer, Allen Gosselin, Secretary.

On a sunny Saturday morning, 100 volunteer participants fanned out across Lake Tahoe’s South Shore to take water quality samples from 34 streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes to monitor the health of the Truckee River watershed and Lake Tahoe as part of the 24th annual Snapshot Day. They were joined by teams doing the same tests simultaneously in other regions of the watershed.

Just before noon on Tuesday a crash with injuries was reported on the I-580 on ramp from N. Carson Street.

According to dispatch there are two vehicles involved, one of which was towing a trailer.

Injuries have been reported and the number two lane is blocked.

Traffic cameras show vehicles are moving slowly but are able to get through to Washoe Valley.

Motorists must use caution in the area.

Looking for programs to make your child’s summer more exciting and educational?
Why not enroll your children in Western Nevada College Continuing Education’s iLead and Summer Sports Camps?

Throughout Northern Nevada, seniors are finding fulfillment and purpose through giving back to their communities. Volunteerism among seniors in Northern Nevada isn't just an act of kindness; it's a pathway to enhanced well-being, social connection, and a legacy of service.

The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.