Ethics panel levies record fine against constable

Commissioners on Friday found Brown misled voters in an October 1998 campaign ad that touted him as "The only qualified candidate for North Las Vegas constable." The mailing claimed Brown's opponent, Steve Bergstrom, had no qualifications, education or training for the post.

Also Friday, commissioners cited a lack of evidence in dismissing an ethics complaint Bergstrom filed against Brown's campaign manager, Mark Kincaid. The board found Kincaid, who wrote the ad, was not informed when the accuracy of the flier was called into question just prior to mailing.

Because the ad was mailed within 10 days of the Nov. 3 election, Brown was subject to a maximum fine of $30,000. Commissioner ordered him to pay $10,000, twice the prior record.

Brown's attorney, Frank Cremen, characterizes the claims as protected political speech.

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