Court grants Eureka County’s motion to dismiss Watts lawsuit

Judge Steve L. Dobrescu of the Seventh Judicial District Court granted Eureka County’s motion to dismiss the civil lawsuit filed by former Eureka County Sheriff Jesse Watts on May 20.

Prior to issuing this dismissal, the Seventh Judicial District Court received oral arguments from both parties on April 17 of this year.  

Wednesday’s Order concluded that Watts lacked standing to pursue the claims as stated in his complaint and that the issues raised in the complaint are moot.

The court determined that an elected sheriff derives authority from election under Nevada law, not from employment under NRS Chapter 289. Eureka County was not considered the sheriff’s employer for Peace Officer Bill of Rights purposes and had no authority to discipline or terminate the sheriff, the Order stated.

Watts retired as sheriff on April 1, 2025. The Order concluded that, after his retirement, no ongoing investigation or employment relationship remained, rendering his claims moot.

Watts filed a civil complaint against Eureka County on November 12, 2025, alleging that county officials repeatedly violated Nevada law through a series of investigations that ultimately forced him to retire.

Watts contended that those violations deprived him of the protections guaranteed by Nevada’s Peace Officer Bill of Rights, codified in Chapter 289 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.

Furthermore, according to the Order granted, Watts’ resignation terminated his relationship with the county and with no ongoing investigation, administrative proceeding or civil action pending against Watts, his claims became moot.

The Order referenced Nevada case law, including Hansen v. Bellin, and relied on the statutory interpretation of Nevada sheriff authority and peace officer protections.