Mistrial declared in ‘Nevada 9’ case

A mistrial in U.S. District Court has been declared in the civil rights case in which former state corrections officers accuse Nevada prison officials of harassment and creating a hostile workplace.

Federal Judge Philip Pro on Wednesday sent both sides back to work and scolded them for attempting to introduce exhibits into evidence at the last moment. Pro told them to prepare to return to his court fully prepared for trial in a few weeks. The judge reminded both parties in the clearest terms that “trial by ambush” is frowned upon by the court.

A hearing in the matter is set for 9 a.m. May 5.

The plaintiffs allege prison officials began a campaign of harassment after the employees promoted their union ideals on the job.

The case of the so-called “Nevada Nine” has ground through the court system for approximately seven years. Only three plaintiffs remain.