Commission cites misuse of public resources, issues fine and formal admonishment
Carson City, Nevada (Vegas News Online) — The Nevada Commission on Ethics ruled Thursday that Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony violated state ethics law by using government resources, including staff time and public social media accounts, to advance his personal social media presence and promote a task force connected to his private interests.
Anthony, a longtime public official and former Las Vegas councilman, was found to have committed three separate non‑willful violations under Nevada Revised Statutes 281A.400. The Commission concluded that using official communication channels to highlight personal online activity and involve state staff in support of a private initiative constituted an improper benefit.
Under the ruling, Anthony received a $3,000 civil penalty, a formal admonishment, and must complete ethics training. He was also directed to develop and implement a social media use policy for the Attorney General’s office. Two additional allegations claiming that he improperly directed subordinates for personal advantage were dismissed.
The Commission reviewed competing motions for summary judgment following an extended investigation and discovery process. Executive Director Ross Armstrong maintained that the lieutenant governor’s actions represented misuse of state resources, while Anthony’s counsel argued that his activities fell within the scope of his official duties.
A History of Nevada Ethics Scrutiny
The Nevada Commission on Ethics has overseen a number of similar high-profile cases over the past decade, reflecting ongoing efforts to hold state officials accountable for public resource use. In recent years, the Commission has disciplined multiple officeholders for issues ranging from political advocacy using government devices to campaign-related activities on state time.
Previous decisions have emphasized that even unintentional misuse of state equipment, email systems, or staff time can trigger enforcement under the state’s ethics law. Nevada’s approach, shaped by reforms following several early 2000s violations, seeks to balance transparency and fairness without criminalizing routine administrative mistakes.
Thursday’s ruling adds another chapter to the Commission’s record of oversight within state government. For Lieutenant Governor Anthony, who has held statewide office since 2023, the outcome serves as both a personal rebuke and a procedural reminder about the strict boundaries separating public duty from personal promotion.
