Commission on Ethics approves stipulated agreement with former Nye County treasurer John Wesley Prudant

The Nevada Commission on Ethics on Tuesday approved a stipulated agreement resolving two consolidated ethics complaints against former Nye County Treasurer John Wesley Prudant.

Associate Counsel Elizabeth Bassett told the commission the complaints alleged Prudant used treasurer's office work hours to complete master's coursework and sought assistance from subordinates. Bassett said the commission's investigators found no use of office equipment and that Prudant logged in on his own laptop via a personal data hotspot. After the review, Bassett said the proposed agreement dismisses alleged violations under NRS 281.400 subsections 2 and 9 and settles on one nonwillful violation of NRS 281.400 subsection 7, which prohibits use of government time, property or equipment for a public officer's significant personal pecuniary interest. "Mr. Prudant will agree to stipulate to 1 non willful violation of NRS 281.400 subsection 7," Bassett said, and noted mitigating factors including Prudant's cooperation and lack of prior ethics violations.

Rob Bair, counsel for Prudant, confirmed the summary and urged the commission to approve the agreement. Bair praised staff handling of the matter and said Prudant cooperated with the investigation and provided documentary evidence. "I could not have asked for more professionalism," Bair said of commission staff.

Vice Chair Dufferin asked for questions; none were raised. Commissioner Gruenewald moved to approve the proposed stipulation resolving consolidated cases 22-033C and 22-034C and to authorize commission counsel to finalize the legal form; Commissioner Yen seconded. The motion passed by voice vote among the commissioners eligible to consider the matter. Bassett and the executive director had earlier noted that Chair Wallen and Commissioners Lowry and Tyler sat on the review panel and therefore did not participate in consideration or vote on the stipulation.

Under the agreement, the commission will dismiss the allegations tied to NRS 281.400 subsections 2 and 9, accept a nonwillful violation of subsection 7, and require Prudant to complete ethics training approved by the commission's executive director within 60 days of final approval. Bassett told the commission there was no restitution required because investigators found no financial benefit to Prudant from his actions.

The commission concluded the item and directed commission counsel to finalize the stipulation in legal form.