Nevada Supreme Court says private investigator must reveal client’s name within 25 days

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Private investigator David McNeely, who was hired to track Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and former Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung, must reveal his client’s name in the next 25 days, according to a Nevada Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday after a petition for confidentiality was denied.

“We conclude that the conduct at issue was non-expressive in nature and not subject to First Amendment protection,” according to the Nevada Supreme Court ruling. “For this reason, the district court did not abuse its discretion in affirming the discovery commissioner’s recommendation. Accordingly, we order the petition denied.”

The client, known as John Doe, again unsuccessfully argued revealing his name would violate his First Amendment right.

The justices agreed with Washoe District Court Judge David Hardy’s ruling on Aug. 8, 2024, that said spying is not a protected right.

Leading up to the 2022 election, McNeely attached GPS trackers on Schieve’s and Hartung’s personal vehicles.

After the device was found on Schieve’s vehicle in December 2022, she sued.

A police investigation showed McNeely also tracked Hartung.

For KOLO TV’s previous coverage on this case, click here.

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