Nevada Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Hicks
The state ethics panel cleared Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks of allegations regarding his wife's employment.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Corruption
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The Nevada Commission on Ethics has unanimously dismissed an ethics complaint filed against Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks. The panel concluded there was no credible evidence that the district attorney violated state ethics laws.
Why it matters
The complaint alleged that Hicks violated state ethics laws related to the employment of his wife, Nicole Hicks, who serves as a Chief Deputy District Attorney. The dismissal concludes a review process that sought to determine if his position influenced her professional standing.
A review panel voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint after finding no credible evidence of violations of Nevada statutes NRS 281A.400(2) and (9). The panel determined that insufficient cause exists to render an opinion on the matter.
The players
Chris Hicks
He serves as the Washoe County District Attorney.
Jeff Church
He is the individual who filed the ethics complaint against the district attorney.
Nicole Hicks
She serves as the Chief Deputy District Attorney in Washoe County.
Nevada Commission on Ethics
This state body is responsible for investigating and ruling on potential ethics violations by public officials.
The details
The complaint, filed by Jeff Church, claimed that the professional relationship between the district attorney and his wife breached ethics statutes. Following a review panel meeting, officials confirmed that the allegations did not warrant further formal opinion or disciplinary action.
Timeline
April 2026: Jeff Church filed the original ethics complaint.
October 14, 2026: The review panel voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint.
Legal Context
The dismissal follows established legal protocols for interpreting Nevada Revised Statutes NRS 281A.400 in cases involving potential conflicts of interest among public officials. The ruling clarifies the evidentiary threshold required to pursue claims against elected personnel in the state.
This decision settles a high-profile inquiry into the professional conduct of a top county law enforcement official. Local residents and taxpayers can consider the matter officially closed following the commission's unanimous vote.
The takeaway
The unanimous dismissal provides clarity for the Washoe County District Attorney's office regarding state ethics guidelines. Public officials should remain mindful of these statutes to ensure ongoing compliance and avoid similar complaints.
Further reading
For additional context on how the state regulates public conduct, read more about Nevada Corruption.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 2 News Nevada.
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