Expensive judge scandals cited as reason for budget boost

CARSON CITY — Lawmakers considering an increase in the budget for the state Commission on Judicial Discipline were told Monday that the panel has spent more than expected because of the time required to deal with scandals involving Nevada judges.

Dave Sarnowski, the commission’s executive director, said expenses have been higher in the past couple of years because of high-profile cases that resulted in the removal of two judges.

The commission’s budget would increase by more than 15 percent in fiscal 2010 and 3 percent the following year.

Former Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Halverson was removed from office after she was accused of mishandling trials, mistreating staff, falling asleep on the bench, and other charges.

Former Clark County Family Court Judge Nicholas Del Vecchio was ousted from office after pleading no contest to 11 ethics violations, including claims that he sexually harassed his former stepdaughter and made racially and sexually disparaging comments to court employees.