The Nevada Commission on Ethics rejected an agreement that would have resolved a complaint against Dwayne McClinton, head of the state’s energy office. The complaint alleged that McClinton accepted free Golden Knights tickets and solicited perks while negotiating a potential sponsorship deal with the NHL franchise. The rejected agreement required McClinton to pay back $450 and obtain ethics training, but commissioners wanted a more significant penalty, such as a fine of $500 or $1,000.
McClinton, who was appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo in February 2023, also solicited access to a private watch party while negotiating a partnership agreement with the Golden Knights. Emails revealed that he did not disclose the gifts or abstain from further work on the partnership, as well as asking his finance team to find funding for it.
The stipulation agreed to a willful violation of a state statute prohibiting seeking or accepting gifts that could improperly influence public duties. It did not include a violation of a statute prohibiting using his position for unwarranted privileges. McClinton leads a state office focused on renewable energy and electric vehicles and previously worked at Southwest Gas Corp.
The parties will now either reach a new agreement or go to a full hearing before the commission. McClinton, who did not attend the meeting, has not commented on the complaint. This incident highlights the importance of ethical conduct and consequences for violations in public office.
For more information, contact Mary Hynes at mhynes@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0336. Follow @MaryHynes1 on X. Hynes is a member of the Review-Journal’s investigative team focusing on holding leaders and agencies accountable.
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