Allegations of corruption and misconduct have surfaced in Clark County following the retirement of JoNell Thomas, the former head of the special public defender’s office.
Thomas retired during a human resources investigation that uncovered leadership deficiencies and failures to uphold county policies, particularly in addressing an alleged anti-police culture within the office. She had been serving as department head since 2017 and was placed on paid administrative leave in January following allegations of bullying and harassment within the office.
An internal investigation into the claims revealed lapses in her leadership, prompting her retirement, where she also received a severance payment of $34,601 upon her departure, in addition to $125,517 in cashed-out sick and vacation leave. The decision to award Thomas a severance package raises questions about the county’s management compensation plan, with critics questioning why an employee under investigation would be eligible for such benefits.
Following Thomas’s retirement, Virginia Eichacker and Darren Cox, both former assistant public defenders, assumed leadership roles in the office. The transition comes during broader concerns about inappropriate behavior within Clark County offices, with previous incidents highlighting failures in management and oversight.
The controversy surrounding Thomas’s retirement stems from allegations of a hostile work environment and intolerance toward law enforcement within the office. A complaint filed by a retired California detective in August revealed instances of harassment, including derogatory remarks and inappropriate conduct by office staff.
The complaint implicated the daughter of former Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Chief Deputy Special Public Defender Ashley Sisolak, among others, displaying signs that read, “Black Lives Matter,” and Fuck the Police,” and targeted harassment against individuals expressing support for law enforcement. Despite the allegations, there has been no disciplinary action taken against her.
The investigation also revealed instances of retaliation against employees who spoke out against workplace bullying within the office. Former Assistant Special Public Defender Jordan Savage, who retired in January, said there was a need for a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment in professional environments before his exit.
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