The lawsuit claims that Jones failed to recuse himself from voting and misled the ethics board about his vested interest in the outcome of derailing the development. Jones is also accused of trying to destroy evidence and communications having to do with the quid pro quo and board votes.

A federal judge ordered Jones to turn over his cell phone for a forensic examination after failing to produce all the communications that had been requested, including messages with his wife that may be pertinent. The forensic examination revealed those texts between Jones and his wife had been deleted as well as an “en masse” deletion on the day of the Gypsum Resources application denial vote.

Jones’ scheme to delete evidence he was legally obligated to preserve became apparent due to the fact not all of the recipients had done the same, as he had blind-copied Andy Maggi, head of the Nevada Conservation League, in his deal-making emails to Sisolak.