In recent months, The Fallon Post has diligently reported on Nick Dondero, who, in January 2023, assumed the role of Esmeralda County's elected sheriff.
The Fallon Post reached out to the Fifth Judicial Court in Esmeralda County, who confirmed on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, that Nevada Attorney General has filed a civil complaint against Nick Dondero. The 22-page document, a matter of public record, extensively lists the allegations against Dondero in relation to inability a serve an a law enforcement position in Nevada, as well as an elected agent in the capacity. Further, the document extensively details his misdemeanor domestic battery as it relates to being a peace officer in Nevada, along with troublesome actions committed by him unrelated to his conviction, and more that include actions committed by him unrelated to his conviction, and more.
According to the complaint, Dondero must automatically vacate the office of Esmeralda County Sheriff by January 1, 2024, unless the court acts prior.
Through an extensive and ongoing investigation, we have unearthed specific indisputable facts that are cited in the civil complaint. These unequivocally disqualify him from serving as a law enforcement officer. For nearly a year, he has retained his position. However, that is about to change.
If you have been following the progression of stories and editorials on Dondero, you will see why this is a matter of concern. Here, you will find much of the information written in the article on Page 3, "POST Notifies Esmeralda County Dondero Disqualified to Serve." However, as I have been continuing to research, obtain documents, and talk to sources about the situation in Esmeralda County, I find myself at odds with the fact someone with a domestic violence conviction remains as sheriff.
In addition, Dondero, who initially campaigned on a platform of "holding people accountable," has taken legal action against those who have raised concerns about his eligibility and have spoken out against his alleged breach of public trust. Notably, The Fallon Post reported that the Esmeralda County District Attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to a whistleblower, challenging the legality of Dondero's position as sheriff.
More than four months ago, before POST's letter to Dondero, a supporter named Greg Rentchler, owner of Southwest Tactile gun sales in Dyer, NV, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Dondero's legal expenses as sheriff. Soliciting funds for a public official has caused concern, especially as:
- No charges had been filed.
- Dondero cannot be certified by POST.
- He is ineligible to hold the office of sheriff.
- Public trust has been breached.
Rentchler's motivation for the campaign was rooted in the belief that Dondero had been criticized unjustly. According to Rentchler, Dondero “has been lambasted and defamed by former deputies, a Nevada newspaper, former Sheriff and others! I am initiating this GoFundMe fundraiser because Sheriff Dondero has been forced to hire legal representation in defense of his personal reputation and the reputation of his Office. You see, Nick campaigned on holding people accountable for their actions. The individuals defaming Nick are trying very hard to hurt his efforts with the State of Nevada, the Sheriff's and Chief's Association, and POST by perpetuating rumors that he is not qualified for the position that he was elected.” This representation of Dondero infers that he is a victim and is being persecuted.
In response to the mounting challenges to his position, Dondero has sought legal representation. As a result, legal actions have been taken against those who have spoken out. On September 14, his attorney sent legal documents to individuals or entities to challenge their legal right to disclose certain information related to the facts that disqualify Dondero from holding office. While this may be a highly complex legal matter, it is not a Constitutional one.
Consider that Fallon is a small town, even more so before 2007, when Dondero served as an officer with the City of Fallon Police Department for approximately seven months. In cases where a former law enforcement officer is involved in activities that appear to violate the law, place individuals at risk of violence, and compromise public safety, it does not go unnoticed. Nor is it forgotten. Court orders may restrict various entities from acknowledging the existence of specified legal documents, but they cannot silence the First Amendment rights of individuals with memories. Documents and photographs serve as invaluable sources of information, but the testimony of individuals carries significant weight and cannot be dismissed. Erasing the written record of an event does not erase its existence.
So why does all this matter? Some have asked, “Why do we care about what is happening in Esmeralda County – the least populated county in Nevada, home to less than 1,000 residents?” While it may seem inconsequential to many, Sheriff Hickox and other law enforcement officers disagree. "It sets a precedent," said Hickox, "What happens there affects us here – it affects us all."
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