The Nevada Commission on Ethics has investigated ethics complaints regarding Reno City Council Members Devon Reese and Miguel Martinez.
The complaints allege that the councilmembers used their positions to secure privileges and/or attempt to benefit from them.
Councilmember Martinez' complaint was filed earlier this year on April 30, and Councilmember Reese's complaints were filed on March 18 and April 22.
On September 17, a review panel consisting of Commissioner Stan Olsen, Commissioner Michael E. Langton, Esq. and Commissioner Terry J. Reynolds considered the complaints and found credible evidence to support determinations for both members.
In the case of Martinez, the panel found that his actions could be addressed through corrective action under the terms of a deferral agreement that would include:
- Going one year without another ethics complaint
- Receiving ethics training
- Providing evidence that he is working with city leadership to improve procedures that would prevent others from spending public money on private interests
- Submitting records for all out-of-state travel funded in any part by the city
Martinez has until October 24 to provide a proposed deferral agreement.
In the case of Reese, the panel found enough evidence to recommend that the Commission conduct a hearing and provide an opinion on the case.
In Reese's case, Commissioner Langton abstained from voting.
This was due to a code of judicial conduct that requires him to disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality may be questioned, due to personal knowledge or experience with the parties in the case.
