Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones faced a disciplinary hearing regarding allegations of fraudulent and deceitful actions related to a controversial housing project proposed by Gypsum Resources LLC. The hearings concluded after three days of testimony, with a decision expected after closing arguments on Monday. The Nevada State Bar could potentially discipline Jones by suspending or disbarring his law license, which he has held since 2003.
The case focused on a mass deletion of texts from Jones’ cellphone following a key vote related to the Gypsum project in 2019, as well as an alleged quid pro quo deal with then-Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak to delay the project. Both Jones and Sisolak have denied the allegations.
Witnesses, including Las Vegas City Councilman Brian Knudsen and legal expert Benjamin Edwards, provided testimony during the hearings, with some speaking favorably about Jones’ character. The bar’s complaint against Jones accuses him of engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation by intentionally destroying evidence and then lying about it.
Jones, represented by former District Court Judge Rob Bare, admitted to deleting the messages as a “political cleansing” to move past the controversy. He acknowledged that it was a mistake and expressed regret for causing heartache to his family, the county, and himself.
The bar launched its investigation in 2023 following a federal judge’s sanction of Jones in the Gypsum case. The case stems from Jones’ previous role as an attorney representing the Save Red Rock conservation group, which opposed the Gypsum project. Jones allegedly sought Sisolak’s support against the project in exchange for an endorsement during Sisolak’s gubernatorial campaign.
Overall, the hearings provided a comprehensive examination of the allegations against Jones, with a decision expected in the coming days.
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