Feds probe Storey cop cars deal

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 | 9:49 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Although tiny Storey County has eight deputy sheriffs patrolling the roads, the Nevada Highway Patrol gave the county 54 used patrol cars about two years ago in violation of state law.

Storey County in turn sold some of the vehicles to other law enforcement agencies.

A federal investigation into the matter is under way, authorities said.

The issue was raised Tuesday by Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, during a hearing by a Senate-Assembly budget committee. The law says local governments are allowed to buy the state vehicles but not to receive them for free.

Giunchigliani said the Nevada Highway Patrol should be held accountable.

Dave Kieckbusch, deputy director of the state Department of Public Safety, said the violation was discovered shortly after he was hired as deputy director.

"The rules were in place," he said. "They simply weren't followed."

The transfers took place between October 2000 and August 2001.

Nevada Highway Patrol Col. David Hosmer said the state is unable to reclaim the vehicles or recover the money, and that's why the federal government is investigating the case.