Governor won’t comment on housing official’s prostitution arrest

By Cy Ryan

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 | 4:45 p.m.

Gov. Brian Sandoval is keeping mum on the citation issued to his state housing administrator for soliciting prostitution in downtown Reno.

“I’ve been briefed on that and it’s a personnel matter and I won’t comment on that,” said Sandoval Wednesday. “He is not on my direct staff.”

James deProsse, newly appointed administrator of the state housing division, was cited April 26 for “soliciting for sexual acts in exchange for money” from an undercover female officer in a police sting.

Six other men were arrested in the sting.

DeProsse has been placed on administrative leave with pay by Business and Industry Director Bruce Breslow, who hired him for the housing job earlier this year.

DeProsse has undergone counseling and successfully completed the therapy. The Reno City Attorney's Office dropped the citation, which is equivalent to a misdemeanor. The office said deProsse of Sparks had no prior offenses.

The governor declined to say whether the citation brought discredit to his administration.

“It’s a personnel matter and I’m leaving it to Mr. Breslow to handle that,” Sandoval said.

The governor said he did not make any recommendation to Breslow.

Breslow said last week that it would be several weeks before any decision is made on the housing administrator. In the meantime, he is on administrative leave with pay.

DeProsse could not be reached for comment.