Beckett names special prosecutor (Nye County, NV)

Pahrump Valley Times ^ | May 7, 2010 | Gina B. Good

[Shermy]

Clearly angry and frustrated, but indicating no intention of removing himself from his campaign for re-election, Nye County District Attorney Bob Beckett, 49, spoke at length during a press conference yesterday afternoon.

He was arrested Tuesday on 42 counts relating to the county-wide Bad Check Program.

He used the press conference to introduce attorney Leslie Stovall, of Stovall and Associates in Pahrump, as a special prosecutor to try to get to the bottom of the matter.

Beckett continued to deny any wrongdoing and maintained the charges against him were politically motivated.

He said there had never been an audit request in the 13 years the program has been in place, until last month.

"We did not refuse to allow them access," he said of the request. "All they had to do was ask."

But instead, the Nye County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant and seized a variety of materials, including a computer and bank records. The program was basically shut down without the computer. The program's funds at Bank of America were also frozen without Beckett's knowledge.

Stovall said the Bad Check Program is under the county's civil division and the administrator of the program reported to Ron Kent, while he was chief civil deputy district attorney.

Beckett was behind bars Tuesday, for about five hours, being held separately from the other prisoners, according to Sheriff Tony DeMeo.

The arrest came in the middle of a heated primary campaign for district attorney, which pits Beckett against six opponents, including long-time friend, Kent, whom Beckett fired in February "for personnel issues" just days after Kent announced he was running for Beckett's job.

Stovall said there appeared to be several misstatements of fact where the search warrant was concerned and added that Beckett "has not been charged with a crime."

The DA was arrested based on a misinterpretation of statutes, Stovall said, adding that the arresting deputy, David Boruchowitz, had not consulted with a lawyer or a prosecutor.

Asked about his appointment of Stovall and whether the state's attorney general wouldn't ordinarily be called upon to handle the investigation, Beckett said "It could be handled either way," adding he feels comfortable with Stovall's expertise and the fact that Stovall's office is local and convenient.

Beckett faces 20 counts of fraudulent appropriation of property, 20 counts of misconduct of a public officer, one count of embezzlement and one charge of malfeasance of office relating to alleged improper handling of funds in the Bad Check Program.

Fees recovered from bad checks are supposed to be used to reimburse victims who get stuck with checks that bounce. People who write bad checks must also pay additional fines. Ironically, checks recently issued from the program are not being honored by the bank because the account is frozen.

"Those victims who originally were paid with bad checks are now being victimized twice," said Beckett, showing his anger and then apologizing. "Freezing the accounts is illegal."

DeMeo said he did not know how many people were fully reimbursed by the Bad Check Program.

A press release from the sheriff's office concerning Beckett's arrest said state laws control how the money in the program can be spent.

"We got information that there may be some financial inconsistencies within the program," said DeMeo.

According to the press release, after reviewing the seized information, investigators found Beckett "made numerous donations to organizations throughout the community from the Bad Check Program bank account, including donations to school and community programs in which members of his family participated."

It also said "there were payments to individuals to assist them in financial struggles."

DeMeo later added, "We found evidence a car payment was made for a family friend."

At yesterday's press conference, Beckett roundly denied that ever happened. He also said nearly two years had gone by since his "bad day" when he wrecked two county vehicles trying to meet up with his family as they vacationed in Southern California. "Let's get over it," he said.

On Tuesday, upon hearing of Beckett's arrest, Kent said, "In spite of the events of the last two months, I derive absolutely no pleasure from this. He used to be a friend of mine. It's very, very sad. What is truly tragic is that this undermines the people's trust in their leadership.

"In the United States, the people allow themselves to be governed because they have confidence and respect in their leaders."

Kent also said to remember that Beckett is innocent until proven guilty. "These are only allegations at this time."

[Shermy]

"He also said nearly two years had gone by since his "bad day" when he wrecked two county vehicles trying to meet up with his family as they vacationed in Southern California. "Let's get over it," he said."

DA busted for DUI after two wrecks (June 23, 2008)

[Shermy]

.

[Red Badger]

Who will rid me of this troublesome prosecutor?..............

[ClearCase_guy]

[rellimpank]

--I voted for Nancy Lord in the primary (absentee ballot which will arrive Wed)--

--don't think Bob will win it---

--second best thing that could happen to Nye County would be total replacement of every elected and appointed official---

[ridesthemiles]

—second best thing that could happen to Nye County would be total replacement of every elected and appointed official-—””

Makes one wonder why Art Bell moved to the Phillipines.