Ex-head of CSN backs Gilbert’s story

A former College of Southern Nevada president testified Thursday that he gave permission to William Gilbert to store and use college construction equipment and material for college related projects at Gilbert's home.

Gilbert is on trial for multiple felony charges, including theft and misconduct by a public officer. He is accused of stealing construction material and equipment from the college to help build his home near Mount Charleston. Defense attorneys have said Gilbert, a former CSN vice president, was using the material and equipment for college related projects.

Former president Ron Remington told the jury that at the time of his tenure, between 2001 and 2003, the college was experiencing tremendous growth and numerous construction projects were needed.

To get those projects done, Remington said, he gave permission to Gilbert to do college related work at his home in lower Kyle Canyon.

"There was not sufficient space for anything (on campus). The college was growing so fast that whenever there was available space, we would convert it to lab or classroom space. In terms of a shop area, we didn't have that," Remington said.

The former college president added that some of the work that had to be done involved welding, which released toxic fumes and couldn't be done around the students.

Authorities have alleged that Gilbert and three co-defendants took construction-grade material and equipment from the college so that Gilbert could build his house, and that the co-defendants worked on the house when they should have been working on campus.

State investigators have testified that they found building equipment and material that was registered to CSN, including pallets of cinder block, at Gilbert's property.

Prosecutors from the state attorney general's office rested their case Thursday after hearing testimony from a former state investigator and a Las Vegas police detective who specialized in cell phone tower technology.

The detective testified that college workers used their cell phones from Gilbert's property when they were scheduled to be working on campus.

Remington lauded Gilbert for his ability to complete construction projects on time and under budget.

Remington also said Gilbert would often use his own equipment, tools and credit cards to complete construction projects.

During cross-examination, Remington said Gilbert did not have permission to use college material and equipment for personal use, however.

The trial, in its third week, has seen about 20 witnesses testify so far. Remington was the defense's first witness. They have submitted a list of dozens of witnesses they plan on calling to rebuff testimony offered by the prosecution.

The three co-defendants in the case, Thad Skinner, Matthew Goins and George Casal, days prior to the trial pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit theft, a gross misdemeanor, and were sentenced to one year of probation.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.