Lyon official arrested for embezzlement

Lyon County Administrator Jason McLean surrendered to police Tuesday in Dayton on a warrant charging him with embezzling money from the estates of deceased residents.

McLean, 35, is alleged to have converted more than $16,000 from four different estates in January, February and March of 2007.

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday alleges that:

• In counts one and two, McLean is charged with embezzling a check for $1,939 from the estate of William Tulley for personal use, and taking another $1,220 from Tulley's estate to purchase a travel trailer, which he titled in his parents' names in January 2007.

• In February 2007, McLean allegedly took $9,900 from the estate of Diane Ashe and used it as a partial payment on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

• In March 2007, McLean allegedly embezzled $2,947 from the estate of Joseph Winfield.

"A public administrator is a bailee for the estates of Lyon County citizens and as such is entrusted to ensure the estates of loved ones are handled accurately. Any alleged abuse of this power must be dealt with openly and completely," said Lyon County District Attorney Robert Auer.

Auer said as the public administrator, McLean is required to maintain a bond "for the faithful performance of duties."

Lt. Rob Hall said the investigation into McLean's estate work began in August after police received several complaints from heirs.

"After six months we were able to establish at least four counts," said Hall, noting there could possibly be more victims. McLean handled at least eight estates in 2006. The number of estates he handled in 2007 was not immediately available.

McLean was elected as county administrator in November 2006. As such, he secures the money and property of a deceased person if an heir is not immediately apparent and with court approval, administers the estate.

McLean is being held in the Lyon County Jail on $50,000 bail.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.