The Nevada Commission on Ethics has dismissed an ethics complaint filed against Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks.
The complaint was over the employment of his wife, Chief Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hicks.
The complaint was filed back in April by former Washoe County School Board Trustee Jeff Church. He alleged that Hicks violated Nevada ethics laws in connection with his wife's continued employment.
Wednesday, a review panel considered the complaint. The panel unanimously found that "the facts do not establish credible evidence to support a determination that just and sufficient cause exists for the Commission to render an opinion in the matter regarding the alleged violations of NRS 281A.400(2) and (9)."
District Attorney Hicks has released a statement, "I appreciate the Nevada Commission on Ethics for its thorough and independent investigation, and I am pleased to put this matter behind me.
During the campaign, my opponent repeatedly accused me of being corrupt, unethical, and of committing a crime throughout my tenure as District Attorney. He even campaigned on a promise to 'bring integrity back' to this office. Those were extraordinarily serious accusations, deeply unfair to Nicole and the career she earned on her own, and fundamentally inconsistent with who I am and how I have conducted myself throughout my career. I don’t expect Mr. Duncan will apologize for the unwarranted personal attacks on Nicole and me, but I believe it is important for the public to know that his accusations were without merit.
The Commission investigated the allegations, found no evidence that I secured an unwarranted privilege for my wife or improperly influenced my subordinates, and unanimously dismissed the matter. The findings speak for themselves."
