Part II – An Ongoing Investigation
On June 2, The Fallon Post released an exposé uncovering a web of deceit and corruption surrounding Esmeralda County’s newly elected Sheriff, Nick Dondero. This information lays bare the blatant breaches of public trust, lack of transparency, abuse of power, and illegal firearm possession by Sheriff Dondero. In the ongoing investigation, Part II delves into the depths of Dondero’s actions as the sheriff and the grave violations of state and federal statutes.
Nick Dondero formerly resided in Churchill County and served as an officer with the Fallon Police Department. However, a serious concern has come to light regarding his eligibility to carry a firearm, which is a fundamental tenant for law enforcement officers in Nevada. Unbeknownst to the residents of Esmeralda County, Dondero has a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction dating back to 2007. Astonishingly, he managed to not only be elected as sheriff but also retain his position thus far due to his sealed criminal record.
Both federal and state laws explicitly prohibit individuals with prior felony or domestic violence convictions from possessing firearms and obtaining the necessary certifications to serve as peace officers through the Nevada Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (POST).
Armed with a copy of Dondero’s 2007 conviction, The Fallon Post diligently sought to secure official documents and verify their authenticity. After an exhaustive two-month investigation, we unearthed 80 pages of evidence from 2006 to 2008.
A former deputy from the Esmeralda County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO), intimately familiar with the case, stepped forward to provide firsthand information. With an impressive career spanning over two decades in Nevada law enforcement, including several years as a criminal investigator, this officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, offers a unique perspective.
The Fallon Post has independently verified the officer’s connection to the story.
The officer served as a deputy when Dondero assumed office in January of 2023 and was responsible for ensuring POST compliance within the ECSO. No records of Dondero’s criminal history were found during the officer’s investigation. During this time, another former ESCO deputy handed the officer a copy of Dondero’s criminal conviction, prompting him to ask Dondero about the documents.
“I confronted him, and Dondero told me he used an attorney to get his record sealed,” the officer revealed. Moreover, he inquired whether Dondero had received a pardon, to which Dondero replied, “No, I don’t need one.” The officer also revealed that Dondero attempted to coerce him into lying to POST. “When I told him I won’t lie to POST, he came unglued.”
Despite multiple attempts, The Fallon Post has been unable to elicit a response from the ESCO regarding these allegations, although we have received a phone call from Dondero’s father, wishing to set the record straight.
Moreover, the officer provided crucial information suggesting that Dondero’s Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit may have been falsified. “He lied on that application too - I saw it. Those CCW permit files are at the Sheriff’s office. It even had his score from when he qualified at the shooting range,” the officer stated. Thus, in addition to violating State Law NRS 202.360, which prohibits firearm possession, Dondero is now committing a federal felony under the Federal Gun Control Act, also known as the Lautenberg Law. The Fallon Post has submitted an email and mailed hard copy Freedom of Information Act-Nevada Public Record Requests to the ESCO, requesting copies of Dondero’s CCW permits. As of yet, these requests have gone unanswered.
Two reliable law enforcement sources outside of Esmeralda County have verified Dondero is currently under investigation by the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. The AG’s office has yet to respond to requests for confirmation. However, Nevada POST has confirmed that Dondero does not possess current certification.
Ordinarily, an unqualified sheriff would have 12 months to complete police academy training and acquire the requisite credentials. However, Dondero’s case is exceptional, as he cannot legally carry a firearm, rendering POST certification unattainable.
According to Nevada law, “Sealing a criminal record merely removes it from the records repository,” the officer explained, “Nevada does not offer expungements. Pardons can restore voting and firearm rights, but not sealed records.”
The Fallon Post sought confirmation from the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners, who declared Dondero has never received a pardon.
The Fallon Post also discovered that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating Dondero as a Federally Prohibited Person in Possession of firearms. As part of that investigation, the ATF has contacted both the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office and the New River Township Justice Court. However, with his records now sealed, both entities were prohibited from disclosing any information on Dondero’s conviction.
Dondero has demonstrated repeated characteristics that provoke public mistrust. The officer who came forward has faced severe retaliation from Dondero on multiple fronts. Most alarmingly, the Esmeralda County District Attorney has threatened legal action against him. On April 18, the officer received a letter invoking NRS 41.336, demanding that he cease defamatory statements about Sheriff Dondero.
The letter stated, “The statements asserted to be defamatory by Sheriff Dondero are as follows: Statements you have made that Sheriff Dondero cannot legally carry a weapon and that Sheriff Dondero cannot be POST certified. Those statements imply that the Sheriff has been convicted of serious criminal acts, which is false. If you continue in defamatory statements, Sheriff Dondero intends to bring an action against you for general, special, and exemplary damages.” Signed, “Very truly yours, Robert E. Glenn, III.”
It is crucial to note that numerous individuals, while declining to be named, have either corroborated information or reached out to The Fallon Post independently. Two sources have expressed fear of driving through Goldfield due to Dondero’s reputation for retaliation, vindictiveness, and unpredictability.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to investigate and explore statements and other information as it comes to light.
We appreciate your patience in our honest pursuit of accountability and transparency and strive for this work to be a testament to our commitment to the residents of Nevada and our unwavering duty as the Fourth Estate.
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