Judicial commission suspends judge facing federal charges

The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline on Thursday suspended Family Court Judge Steven Jones in the wake of his federal indictment alleging a $3 million investment fraud scheme.

By state law, the commission was obligated to suspend Jones with pay until his criminal case is resolved.

Jones, 54, first elected to Family Court in 1992, took a leave of absence after his federal indictment last month.

Family Court Judge Robert Teuton was assigned to temporarily take over his juvenile caseload.

In the two-page order, the commission said Jones' lawyer, James Jimmerson, opted against challenging the suspension. Jimmerson could have asked for a public hearing.

"We are disappointed with the commission's order but understood by statute that it was forthcoming," Jimmerson said. "It is an administrative order only and does not make any finding whatsoever against the honorable Steven Jones. He looks forward to his day in court."

The commission attached a copy of the 15-page indictment against Jones and five other defendants to its suspension order.

Jones is accused of using the power of his office to carry out the investment scheme, which authorities say began in 2002. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance earlier this month.

All six defendants face an Aug. 21 trial before U.S. District Judge Miranda Du on several criminal charges, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering.

Prosecutors contend Jones' former brother-in-law, Thomas A. Cecrle Jr., 55, of Henderson, was the central figure in the scheme.

Cecrle, who pleaded not guilty this month, was detained pending trial.

The indictment alleges that between September 2002 and October 2012, the defendants persuaded people to lend them money under the guise of quick repayment with high rates of interest. The defendants indicated they needed loans to secure valuable property and water rights, including land on the Strip, the indictment said.

When investors became disgruntled and questioned the legitimacy of their investments, the indictment alleges, the defendants lulled them into a false sense of security by referring them to Jones. He is accused of using his stature as a judge to vouch for Cecrle and the investment scheme, knowing it was a fraud.

The judge is alleged to have met with investors "in chambers, over the telephone and elsewhere."

According to the indictment, Jones took calls from Cecrle in chambers, drafted and reviewed documents associated with sham investments and received cash from the scheme at the courthouse where he heard cases.

Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135.