Nevada Ethics Commission approves $5,000 settlement with Joseph Lombardo

The Nevada Commission on Ethics on Tuesday approved a stipulated agreement resolving consolidated complaints against Joseph Lombardo, now governor and formerly sheriff of Clark County, over his use of a uniform and badge during the 2022 campaign.

Commission Counsel Elizabeth Basset summarized the case history, saying the commission’s 2023 final opinion had found multiple willful violations but that the matter subsequently proceeded through the courts. Basset told commissioners that "Governor Lombardo will stipulate to one non‑willful violation of NRS 281A.400, subsection 7," and that Lombardo would pay $5,000 to the state general fund and the pending district‑court petition would be dismissed.

Commissioners debated the terms at length. Opponents argued the settlement undercuts a prior final opinion and weakens commission precedent; supporters cited litigation risk, the cost of further proceedings and a recent district court ruling in a similar case as reasons to accept a negotiated resolution. Vice Chair Wallen offered a friendly amendment to direct commission counsel to finalize the agreement in appropriate legal form, which the mover accepted.

A roll call vote resulted in approval of the stipulated agreement by a 5–3 margin. Commission staff said the payment and dismissal of the court action will conclude the matter after the agreement is finalized.

The commission also noted Lombardo had sought and received ethics training for his office, a factor the parties said influenced the negotiated terms. Commissioners opposing the stipulation said they intended to submit written dissents for the record within three commission working days.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote; the approved stipulation will be added to the file and the court petition dismissed as provided in the agreement.