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Fire Safe Council executive director, former partner indicted on 29 felony counts

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Fire Safe Council executive director, former partner indicted on 29 felony counts


NEVADA CITY, Calif. – Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson filed felony charges against Jamie Jones, executive director of the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County, and Chris Wackerly, Jones’ former partner and former director of operations for the organization.

The indictments allege 29 counts of fraud, grand theft, money laundering, embezzlement, perjury and forgery against each defendant. The indictments list embezzlement allegations dating from 2018 to early 2025.

Wackerly was arrested on Friday, May 1st, and booked in the Nevada County Jail. Jones has not been apprehended at publication time.

YubaNet reached out to DA Wilson late Friday after seeing Wackerly’s arrest in the jail media log.

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This is a developing story, check back for updates.

May 3, 2026 at 12:17 PM An update to this developing story has been posted.

Background

Concerns about the Fire Safe Council surfaced publicly as early as July 2021, when local media stories documented complaints from former employees.

A June 2022 Civil Grand Jury report identified deficiencies in the organization’s internal processes, drawing on public records, staff testimony and a whistleblower account. The FSCNC’s board response was deemed inadequate, prompting the 2023-24 grand jury to reinvestigate.

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The Board of the non-profit came out strongly against any allegations and in their response to a finding wrote, in part, “that the grand jury’s statements were “an opinion, not a finding” and calling the accusations “outrageously inappropriate, inaccurate and unfounded.”

The FSCNC has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing after the second Grand Jury report questioned its handling of grant funding. The organization attributed its financial difficulties to being designated a high-risk vendor by Nevada County – a designation that took effect April 12, 2024, one day before the FSCNC suspended operations and furloughed staff, citing a lack of available funding.

Despite that suspension, the FSCNC announced grants from Cal OES and FEMA in July and September 2024.

On Oct. 23, 2024, search warrants were executed at the FSCNC’s office and at the home Jones and Wackerly shared. Wilson said at the time that the warrants were part of an investigation into potential violations of penal codes covering embezzlement of public funds, but stressed that no arrests had been made and no charges filed.

Jones said the warrants also covered all electronic devices and that the organization “fully cooperated.”

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TriCounties Bank filed a notice of default against the Fire Safe Council on Jan. 17, 2025, for $806,301.30, including a business loan with an outstanding balance of $373,534.58. The council subsequently sold or returned equipment to the bank.

A criminal indictment contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.





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Nevada

Lexicon Bank honors CARE Complex for aiding Southern Nevada families in need

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Lexicon Bank honors CARE Complex for aiding Southern Nevada families in need


A Southern Nevada nonprofit that provides meals, hygiene resources, and housing assistance is getting a boost of visibility from a local bank’s community recognition program.

Lexicon Bank recognized CARE Complex through its Community Spotlight Program during June, highlighting the organization’s work serving individuals and families experiencing economic hardship throughout Southern Nevada.

CARE Complex is located in Las Vegas’ Corridor of Hope and operates as a centralized hub of essential services. The nonprofit provides meals, hygiene resources, mail, and locker services, along with on-site support aimed at meeting immediate needs with dignity and consistency.

Founded by Michael Swecker, CARE Complex connects vulnerable individuals with services intended to address both urgent needs and long-term success.

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The organization’s key programs include Community Table, which provides meals and monthly pre-packed grocery bags; Homeless to Home (H2H), which offers financial assistance for qualifying individuals and families facing eviction or housing instability; and Step Into Success, which supports participants as they work toward self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

The recognition follows Lexicon Bancorp’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, held in May, which celebrated “A Year of Philanthropy” and highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting local nonprofits and strengthening the communities it serves.

Lexicon Bank’s monthly Community Spotlight Program features organizations working across Southern Nevada and encourages community members to learn more, volunteer, and support their missions.

More information about CARE Complex, its programs, and ways to get involved is available at www.carecomplex.org.



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Nevada QB Thaddeus Thatcher commits to Oregon State, breaks down his decision

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Nevada QB Thaddeus Thatcher commits to Oregon State, breaks down his decision


Las Vegas (Nev.) Arbor View quarterback Thaddeus Thatcher announced his commitment to Oregon State and broke down why he chose the Beavers. 

After taking official visits to Oregon State, UNLV, UCF and Michigan, the talented signal caller announced for the Beavers moments ago. 

“I’m very excited about my decision,” Thatcher said. “Coach Shep (Jamarcus Shephard) has assembled a really great staff and I’m really excited to work with coach (Mitch) Dahlen.

“Coach Dahlen has worked with so many draft picks and it’s really exciting to have the opportunity to be developed by someone like him.”

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The potential to compete for early playing time was another big factor for Thatcher. 

“They’re going to give me a chance to compete for a spot right away,” Thatcher said. “That’s something I was interested in and so I’m excited about the opportunity.

“My whole family gets along with the entire Oregon State staff and we really believe in Coach Shep. I really think he’s going to be able to get things back on track and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

We originally had a commit prediction in for Michigan with Thatcher and there was strong buzz he was close to committing following his unofficial visit back in early April. 

Thatcher decided to take his official visits instead and the Beavers hosted him on May 29. Oregon State started to build momentum with Thatcher following the trip and the Beavs were able to hold off strong competition.

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Thatcher is one of the region’s top dual-threat quarterbacks and two-sport athletes. He’s a talented basketball player as well but his fixture is on the grid-iron. 

As a junior, Thatcher completed 168-240 passes (70%) for 2,625 yard and 29 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He also rushed for 605 yards and seven more scores and will be a four-year starter for the Aggies, one of the top teams in the state. 

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After transgender sports ballot initiative dropped, proposal introduced for ‘27 Nevada Legislature

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After transgender sports ballot initiative dropped, proposal introduced for ‘27 Nevada Legislature












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Transgender sports proposal by Nevada assemblymember after ballot initiative is dropped | Politics and Government | News























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