Police, Community Fight Back Against Corrupt UNR Officials

2010-02-14T03:01:00Z

Police department employees, the community and action groups in Reno are fighting mad over the corruption at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR). But it is not just the corruption itself that has these good people up in arms, it is the fact that UNR officials have seemingly been above the law, and have been able to sway the State, news media and even stay out of local courts despite the evidence against them.

The Grand Jury was requested to hear evidence of this major corruption case involving officials at UNR based on testimony by citizens at an evidentiary hearing in the Second Judicial District Court on September 17-18, 2009. In addition to the testimony, which covered only a small sampling of the evidence, the citizens submitted over 5,000 documents of supporting evidence. This evidence purportedly shows that Nevada taxpayers have been defrauded out of millions of dollars and that UNR has tried for years to keep these crimes from the public.

Ron Cuzze, President of the Nevada Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (NSLEOA) said “The Nevada Law Enforcement Officers’ Association represents members working for the University of Nevada Reno Police Department. However, we fully recognize that this is a major issue of public corruption which reaches far beyond UNR PD alone, one which affects our local communities, taxpayers throughout the state, leaders and legislators, as well as the ethical image and integrity of the University system and the State of Nevada. Nevada cannot bow to political pressure and allow this corruption to be swept under the carpet."

UNR was characterized throughout the hearing as a RICO crime operation or network. Evidence allegedly revealed that various departments at UNR are working together in a criminal manner to cover up crimes and to retaliate against those who report crimes, with the full knowledge, approval, and coordination of the President's Office. Other state and local agencies were also implicated in the conspiracies and cover ups.

Other citizen action groups and organizations have also come forward on the issue. Lee Rowland, Attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union stated, "The ACLU has also expressed concern that certain actions taken by UNR officials may violate the First Amendment rights to access public forum space, to petition the courts, and to advocate on serious issues of public policy, including public corruption."

Additionally, the Reno Outreach for Animal Rights (ROAR) is supportive of the efforts to convene a grand jury investigation of UNR. They have expressed great concern regarding allegations of animal abuse and abuse for profit at UNR, including the police K-9 program.

On October 15, 2009, Sergeant Lane Grow of UNR PD was reinstated with back pay at a hearing with State Personnel, after he had been wrongfully terminated by the University and UNR Police Chief Garcia in retaliation for speaking out. Ron Cuzze stated "Employees who have been harassed and derided by corrupt UNR officials are finally receiving justice and the attention they deserve, but it has been a long, hard road for them to travel."

Richard McCann, Legal Defense Plan Administrator & Labor Representative for the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers (NAPSO), said "Based on the number of persons involved, the scope of the alleged corruption and the volume of credible evidence that was presented during the hearings, full evidentiary and criminal proceedings are not only warranted, but are the only appropriate option available. We are united with the community to see that this case reaches the Grand Jury." NAPSO represents nearly 1,200 law enforcement personnel in more than 15 police associations and more than 35 law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada, including the NSLEOA.

Judge Connie Steinheimer in Department 4 recently issued an order with findings that there is enough evidence to convene a Grand Jury investigation of UNR. Through a Grand Jury investigation, criminal indictments may be sought against UNR President Milton Glick, Chief of Police Adam Garcia, Athletic Director Cary Groth, General Counsel Mary Dugan, and several other UNR Officials. UNR spokespersons Jane Tors and private attorney Kent Robison are also implicated in the criminal allegations.

It is noted that previously two citizens and a member of the NSLEOA attempted to bring this case to the Grand Jury in Washoe County, but were denied by the District Court. The information was then sent to the Nevada Supreme Court, which subsequently ordered the lower court to conduct the formal hearings in September. If reasonable evidence was brought forth, the District Court was ordered by the Supreme Court to impanel the Grand Jury.

Cuzze remains positive in outlook. "The evidence against UNR officials is staggering ... The public should accept nothing less than a full examination and criminal prosecution."

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Terri Patraw Blog #4

Police, Community Fight Back Against Corrupt UNR Officials