County sheriff submits resignation letter

In a letter received on Oct. 23 by Eureka County Clerk-Recorder Kathy Bowling, Jesse Watts stated his intent to resign from the office of Eureka County Sheriff, effective Nov. 1.

Watts has been the subject of a petition to recall him since mid-summer of this year, alleging that he made false statements accusing a Eureka resident of sexual assault. 

On Oct. 22, Amy Jensen, an organizer of the recall against Watts, stated in a Facebook post that they had received more than the required 174 signatures to move forward with the recall. 

NRS 306.045 explains the recall process:

Effect of resignation by public officer subject to proceedings for recall. If a public officer who is subject to a recall petition resigns his or her office:

1. Before the call for a special election is issued:
   1. The official with whom the petition to recall is filed shall cease any further proceedings regarding the petition;
   2. A vacancy occurs in that office; and
   3. The vacancy thereby created must be filled in the manner provided by law.
2. After the call for a special election is issued, the special election must be conducted.

Watts submitted his letter of resignation before the special election was called; therefore the county clerk is obligated to cease activities related to the petition to recall. 

It will now be up to the Eureka Board of County Commissioners to appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy left by Watts’ resignation. Rich McKay, chairman of the Eureka Board of County Commissioners, said they are looking at qualified candidates, but did not mention any names. The individual selected will be the acting Eureka County Sheriff until the 2026 election year. Selection of said person should be on or close to Nov. 1, 2024.