Draft:List of Nevada political scandals

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List of Nevada political scandals

Scope and organization of political scandals

This article provides a list of political scandals which occurred in the U.S. State of Nevada. It is organized in reverse chronological order from most recent to oldest.

Politician is defined as "a person who is professionally involved in politics", and includes not only those elected to office, their staffs and appointees, but also those who routinely work in politics such as pollsters. Major officials of political parties and their staffs, as well as those elected by their party to be candidates are also included. Local politicians, mayors, sheriffs, and county officials should not be included.

Scandal is defined as "loss of, or damage to, reputation caused by actual or apparent violation of morality or propriety". Breaking the law is always considered a scandal. The finding of a public court is the sole method used to determine a violation of law, but it is not the sole method of determining a scandal.

Please note that all people are considered innocent until proven guilty. Allegations of misconduct do not imply guilt nor do admissions of guilt in the absence of a conviction. Investigations that end without a determination do not imply innocence.

Breaches of ethics, unproven crimes or cover-ups may or may not result in inclusion depending on the amount of publicity generated, and the seriousness of the crime, if any. Notoriety and notability are a major determinant of a scandal. Politicians who resign, quit, flee, or commit suicide while being investigated or threatened with investigation may also be included.

Different scandals on different dates may result in multiple listings.

The list does not include crimes that occur outside the politician's tenure (such as before or after his term in office) unless they specifically stem from acts made while in office, such as bribery, and discovered later.

Given the political nature of legislatures where the leading party has determining power, politicians who are Rebuked, Denounced, Censured, Admonished, Condemned, Suspended, Reprimanded, Found in Contempt, Found to have Acted Improperly, or of using Poor Judgment are not included unless the scandal is exceptional or leads to further action such as expulsion, conviction or resignation.

Executive pardons may or may not be mentioned, but do not erase the scandal. The verdict and legal proceedings are not affected by pardons, but may affect the sentence.

State of Nevada[edit]

  • Alexander Assefa (D) State Assemblyman from District 42, was accused of misusing campaign funds and lying about his place of residency. He pled no contest and was sentenced to three years of probation. (2023)[1]
  • Michael Sprinkle (D) State Representative from Sparks in the 30th District, was accused of long term multiple sexual harassment claims. Sprinkle resigned. (2019)[2]
  • Kelvin Atkinson (D) State Senator and Majority Leader from District 4, resigned after admitting to using $500,000 of campaign funds for personal use including opening a nightclub. He pled guilty to fraud and was sentenced to 27 months in prison plus paying restitution. (2018)[3][4]
  • Mark Manendo (D) State Senator from Las Vegas in the 21st District, was accused of more than 14 incidents of sexual harassment, inappropriate behavior toward female staffers and lobbyists, and attempting to interfere with an investigation. He resigned. (2017)[5][6]
  • Steven Brooks (Nevada politician) (D) State Representative from District 19 was arrested on a domestic battery charge, possession of a firearm and threatening to kill the Nevada House Speaker. By a 2/3 vote he was expelled from the House. He was later found guilty and sentenced to three years of probation. (2013)[7]
  • Morse Arberry Jr. (D) State Representative, pled guilty to fraudulent appropriation of property for using $121,545 of campaign funds for personal use. He resigned, and was sentenced to six months probation and ordered to pay retribution. (2010)[8]

See also:[edit]

List of federal political scandals in the United States List of federal political sex scandals in the United States

List of American state and local politicians convicted of crimes List of Alabama political scandals List of Arizona political scandals List of Arkansas political scandals List of California political scandals List of Colorado political scandals List of Connecticut political scandals List of Delaware political scandals List of Florida political scandals List of Georgia political scandals List of Hawaii political scandals List of Idaho political scandals List of Illinois political scandals List of Indiana political scandals List of Iowa political scandals

References

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Nevada ex-lawmaker gets probation in campaign funds case". kolotv.com. March 24, 2023.
  2. ^ RYAN TARINELLI (March 14, 2019). "Democratic lawmaker Sprinkle resigns amid harassment claims". apnews.com.
  3. ^ JOHN BOWDEN (March 5, 2019). "Nevada state Senate leader resigns over campaign finance charges". thehill.com.
  4. ^ Jackie Valley (July 18, 2019). "Atkinson to serve more than two years in prison and pay nearly a quarter million dollars in fines". thenevadaindependent.
  5. ^ Colton Lochhead (July 18, 2017). "Nevada senator resigns after sex harassment investigation". reviewjournal.com.
  6. ^ "Nevada State Sen. Mark Manendo resigns after investigation finds he violated harassment policy". ktnv.com. July 19, 2017.
  7. ^ Laura Zuckerman (March 28, 2013). "For first time, Nevada legislature ousts lawmaker after arrests". reuters.com.
  8. ^ BEN BOTKIN (March 16, 2016). "Congressional candidate Morse Arberry Jr. owes Nevada more than $122,000". reviewjournal.com.