The Nevada Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Gov. Joe Lombardo, allowing him to proceed with efforts to dismiss sanctions related to an ethics violation. This decision overturned a previous denial by the District Court, which had dismissed Lombardo’s petition on technical grounds regarding service deadlines.
The case involves allegations that Lombardo used his position as Clark County sheriff, specifically his badge and uniform, in his 2022 gubernatorial campaign. The Nevada Commission on Ethics had found Lombardo in violation of a law prohibiting the use of governmental property for personal benefit, resulting in a censure and a $20,000 fine. However, it also determined that he did not violate another provision regarding unwarranted advantages.
Lombardo contested the sanctions, arguing against the necessity of serving the petition to the attorney general’s office within the specified 45-day timeframe. The Supreme Court agreed with Lombardo, noting that the attorney general’s office had recused itself from the case due to a conflict of interest, and the Commission on Ethics had its own legal representation. The justices stated that the 45-day service period could be extended with good cause, and serving the attorney general’s office did not influence the proceedings since it did not participate in the case.
The ruling sends the case back to the lower court for further consideration, allowing Lombardo to continue his legal challenge against the imposed sanctions. Neither Lombardo’s attorney nor the Nevada Commission on Ethics’ Executive Director Ross Armstrong provided comments on the recent decision.