A former captain of the Nye County Sheriff's Office has admitted to federal charges involving civil rights violations and wire fraud. David E. Boruchowitz, 44, entered a guilty plea in a Las Vegas court for actions related to the wrongful arrest of Angela Evans, the former CEO of Valley Electric Association (VEA), and a scheme to defraud VEA's Board of Directors.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada commented on the case, stating, "It is the duty of all law enforcement to protect and serve the community. Instead, the defendant violated his oath and abused his power." Fahami emphasized that efforts would continue with the FBI to safeguard constitutional rights and hold accountable those who misuse public trust.
Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division also addressed the issue, saying, "Law enforcement officers are granted specific powers by the government to protect the rights of the public and prevent misconduct." He added that betrayal of this trust undermines law enforcement efforts and reiterated that no one is above the law.
Court documents reveal that on February 26, 2019, Boruchowitz arrested Evans without probable cause under embezzlement charges. This action deprived her of her Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable seizure. The arrest was part of a fraudulent plan aimed at influencing a VEA Board member's position.
Boruchowitz has pleaded guilty to one count each of deprivation of rights under color of law and wire fraud. Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon has set sentencing for June 10, 2025. The offenses carry a combined maximum statutory penalty of 21 years in prison. Sentencing will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The FBI led the investigation into this case with Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Myhre and Justin Washburne prosecuting.