Official: Lyon County administrator office to be vacated

Lyon County Administrator Jason McLean missed a Monday night deadline set by county commissioners to get an additional $100,000 performance bond.

"I have been denied," McLean said Tuesday of his efforts to get the additional insurance policy to cover any losses incurred during the administration of estates.

McLean, 35, is out on bond and charged with four counts of embezzlement for allegedly taking $16,000 from three different estates he was appointed to handle.

Lyon County Manager Dennis Stark said because McLean failed to meet the requirement put forth by the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 17, commissioner will begin the process of removing McLean from office at their Feb. 7 meeting.

Someone will then be appointed to the office until McLean's term expires and then any interested party can run for the office, he said.

McLean will also be liable for the $25,000 deductible that is part of the county's performance bond under which McLean is covered as an elected county official.

"That's $25,000 per claim so we'll make sure he covers that. There are four counts against him so he could be looking at $100,000," if found liable, said Stark.

When a person dies in Lyon County, the public administrator secures the money and property of the deceased person and administers the deceased person's estate.

The public administrator is an elected official of Lyon County and is required to maintain a bond for the faithful performance of duties.

McLean, an economist for the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, declined further comment on the case. He has filed paperwork with the court indicating he is indigent and needs public representation.

A status check is scheduled in Dayton Justice Court in mid-February. At that time the judge will determine if McLean qualifies for a public defender and a preliminary hearing date will likely be set.

Stark said anyone who may have a claim against McLean should contact the County Manager's office at (775) 577-5037. The claimants will then be put in touch with the county's bond agent.

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