Judge Orders Clark County to Release All Records on Conflict of Interest Investigations
Judge to Clark County: ‘Hand it over’
Image: Las-vegas Review Journal
A district judge has mandated Clark County officials to provide all records related to investigations into a conflict of interest in the Public Works Department. This follows a lawsuit from the Las Vegas Review-Journal concerning the awarding of contracts to a public official's wife's firm, which led to the official's termination.
- 01Judge Bita Yeager ordered Clark County to release all records related to investigations into a conflict of interest involving Public Works Manager Jimmy Floyd.
- 02The Las Vegas Review-Journal sued the county in March for access to these records after Floyd's wife’s firm received county contracts.
- 03The county initially withheld records, claiming they were confidential personnel documents.
- 04Yeager emphasized the county's legal obligation under the Nevada Public Records Act to assist in identifying relevant records.
- 05Concerns were raised about potential undisclosed investigations, prompting suggestions for a special master to review the county's materials.
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During a recent hearing, District Judge Bita Yeager instructed Clark County officials to provide all records related to investigations concerning a conflict of interest in the Public Works Department. This directive follows a lawsuit from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which sought records tied to the firing of Public Works Manager Jimmy Floyd, who was implicated in awarding contracts to his wife's firm, Rock Solid Project Solutions. The county had previously refused to release what it termed confidential personnel records. After some documents were provided, the county withheld others related to a second investigation, which focused on the misuse of county resources. Judge Yeager asserted that the county must comply fully with the Nevada Public Records Act and assist in identifying all relevant records. The Review-Journal’s counsel expressed distrust regarding the completeness of the records provided and suggested the need for an independent review of the county's materials. The next hearing is scheduled for June 24.
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The ruling may lead to greater transparency regarding public contracts and potential misuse of county resources.
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