Al Balloqui, Pahrump's economic development director, filed an ethics complaint against town board member Frank Maurizio June 1.

The complaint, along with the investigator's report, dated Sept. 28, was posted on the Nevada Commission on Ethics Web site last week.

Balloqui alleges Maurizio violated state law by attempting to use his position as a town board member to gain employment.

Maurizio, on advice from his attorney, said he cannot comment at this time except to deny he used his position on the board to get a job. He is currently out of the country seeking employment, but said he will return to Pahrump shortly.

State Ethics Commissioners Paul Lamboley and John Marvel met on Oct. 7, to review the complaint, the investigator's report and other evidence as well as the responses made by Maurizio and his attorney, Jeffrey Pitegoff of Las Vegas.

The commissioners concluded there was "just and sufficient cause" to hold a hearing on whether Maurizio violated Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 281A.400(9 and 10). The hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 11. Six violations will be ruled upon.

The incidents involve Maurizio asking Town Manager Bill Kohbarger as well as Fire Chief Scott Lewis to help him get a job with the Nye County district attorney's office on two occasions. An opinion will also be given on the legality of Maurizio's asking Balloqui to assist him getting a job on two occasions.

Maurizio's peers on the town board have not commented. Maurizio has been very open about seeking employment.

Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo and Dep. Jim Scott were named in the complaint filed by Balloqui.

But investigator Mike Vavra of the Nevada Commission on Ethics found that statements from DeMeo and Scott "indicated that Maurizio applied for a position but he did not ask for any special consideration nor did he request assistance from anyone on his behalf."

NRS 281A.400(10) provides that: "A public officer or employee shall not seek other employment or contracts through the use of his official position."

Section (9) provides that: "A public officer or employee shall not attempt to benefit his personal or financial interest through the influence of a subordinate."

The town board has the authority to hire and fire town staff, including the town manager, economic development director and fire chief.

Maurizio was appointed to the town board by Governor Jim Gibbons and took office on Dec. 22, 2008.