AG Mulls Options After Judge Squashes Krolicki Prosecution

(Sean Whaley/Nevada News Bureau) – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said today she is reviewing the decision and considering her options in light of a ruling by a Clark County judge dismissing criminal charges against Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki.

Masto spokeswoman Edie Cartwright had no other comment on the decision by Clark County District Judge Valerie Adair dismissing the indictment for Krolicki’s alleged mismanagement of a college savings program while serving as state Treasurer.

Krolicki, who is expected to run for reelection as lieutenant governor, issued a statement saying he can now put the awful experience behind him.

Ryan Erwin, a long-time campaign consultant to Krolicki, said Krolicki was very pleased with the decision and will now take some time to recuperate with his family over the holidays. “It’s been a tough year,” he said. “They tried to wreck him politically and personally. Today is a good day.”

Krolicki can now run for reelection with a clean slate, Erwin said. Krolicki has announced he intends to run again but will probably evaluate that decision again with his family, he said. “I fully expect him to run for reelection,” Erwin said.

Asked if Masto might pursue an appeal or some other legal action to keep the case going, Erwin said anything is possible. “Most Nevadans believe this was a ridiculous partisan prosecution,” he said. “I can’t imagine anyone in good conscience spending additional tax resources on a crusade like this.”

Masto is a Democrat and Krolicki is a Republican.

The charges against Krolicki were filed in December 2008 after a 2007 audit of the $3 billion, state-run college savings program. He was charged with four felony counts, two for misappropriation and falsification of accounts by a public officer, and two for misappropriation by a treasurer.

No state funds were missing but Krolicki is accused of not following state budgeting rules. A trial was to get under way on Dec. 14.

“I would not have been able to make it through this process without the support of many who have stood by me,” Krolicki said. “I am grateful for the outpouring of support and appreciate everyone who has been so encouraging throughout this awful process. I am proud to have my name cleared and that we can begin moving forward.”