Ethics commission approves stipulated agreement finding Carlin city manager committed willful ethics violation

The Nevada Commission on Ethics on June 17 approved a stipulated agreement finding that Richard Braithweight, the city manager of Carlin at the time of the conduct, committed a willful violation of the ethics law by using city facilities and labor for a one‑time personal vehicle repair.

Executive Director Armstrong told the commission that investigators found Braithweight had his brakes and rotors repaired using the city maintenance shop during work hours and using city equipment and labor; Braithweight paid for the parts but not the labor. Armstrong said there was no policy authorizing that use under the limited‑use exception in the ethics law. Armstrong said the commission added an allegation, the case was investigated this spring, and Braithweight resigned from his city manager position on April 8.

Armstrong summarized the negotiated outcome: Braithweight agreed to a finding of a single willful violation of NRS 281A400(7) (the prohibition on use of government time, property, equipment or facilities to benefit a personal or pecuniary interest), to pay restitution of $200 to the City of Carlin for labor within 60 days, and to pay a $200 civil penalty under NRS 281A790 payable to the state general fund within 60 days. The agreement also includes a written admonishment under NRS 281A785. Armstrong said other allegations in the complaint would be dismissed as part of the negotiated resolution.

Counsel for the subject, Christian Moore of the Laxalt Law Group, said Armstrong’s summary was "accurate and succinct." Commissioners asked clarifying questions — including whether Braithweight was assigned a city vehicle (he was not) and how long he had served as city manager — and then moved to approve the agreement. A friendly amendment authorized commission counsel to prepare and finalize the agreement in appropriate legal form. The commission voted in favor and the motion passed.

Commissioners characterized the outcome as consistent with prior cases, noting the small dollar amount in this instance and Braithweight’s cooperation in the investigation. The commission did not report a roll‑call tally in the minutes; the motion passed without recorded opposition.

The commission’s action resolves complaint number 26‑037C by negotiated settlement; the commission will enter the finalized stipulated agreement and the parties will carry out the payment and admonishment terms specified in the order.