Probe sparks speculation at county government center

Friday, May 16, 2003 | 9:57 a.m.

Employees at the Clark County Government Center are buzzing over who might have done what to justify inclusion in warrants executed in a federal corruption probe Wednesday.

Clark County Development Services Director Phil Rosenquist said the FBI investigation has sparked "a lot of speculation" in his department, which includes the county's building inspectors. But he does not believe the federal probe will uncover problems in his department.

"We've had so many court cases related to adult uses that when we have anything to do with adult uses our staff makes sure every 'i' is dotted and 't' is crossed," Rosenquist said.

Clark County Manager Thom Reilly, in a short written release, said the county would fully cooperate with the investigation.

"However, the FBI has provided the county with little information about this probe," he said. "To be fair, citizens should take a cautious view of these events, as reputations, including that of the county's, may be unfairly damaged.

"We have been presented with no information or evidence of wrongdoing and we have been informed by the district attorney's office that charges may never be filed."

He said if any evidence of wrongdoing by county employees comes forward, the county "will deal with those employees aggressively and severely."

"Wrongdoing of any kind will not be tolerated."

Clark County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, who Thursday morning told the Sun that she has never accepted a bribe, repeated that her vote "has never been for sale and never will be."

Kincaid-Chauncey said despite receiving dozens of telephone calls from local media, she is declining further interview requests at this time.

"I take my oath to serve the public seriously and always carry out my duties as an elected official with honesty and integrity," she said.