Two ethics complaints have been filed against Rudy Pamintuan, chief of staff to Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor, alleging improper use of his government position to advocate for a charter school network. The complaints focus on his involvement with the Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy (PTAA), which has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to establish a school in North Las Vegas.
The allegations, submitted to the Nevada Commission on Ethics, assert that Pamintuan facilitated a visit by Linda McMahon, the former U.S. Secretary of Education under the Trump administration, to a local event where a demonstration of educational software was conducted. This software is linked to PTAA, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Although Pamintuan has not publicly commented on the complaints, he has indicated through social media that his work with the charter school is voluntary.
Background of the Allegations
The first complaint was submitted in September 2025 after the commission received anonymous evidence in June. According to case documents, a three-member panel of the ethics commission concluded on November 13, 2025 that sufficient credible evidence existed to warrant further investigation. A spokesperson for the commission noted that discussions regarding a tentative agreement could occur in a public meeting scheduled for this spring.
The complaints allege that Pamintuan violated Nevada ethics laws by using his state position to gain unwarranted advantages for himself and his associates. A second complaint, which surfaced in January 2026, further scrutinizes Pamintuan’s leadership roles within PTAA, where he has held various titles, including board president and vice chair. Notably, a charter school application submitted in 2021 featured a letter from him in the capacity of board president.
Pamintuan’s connections to PTAA also extend to Learning without Limits, a nonprofit organization associated with the charter school and its educational software. However, public records do not indicate the existence of a registered nonprofit under that name in state or IRS records.
Details of the Event with McMahon
The April 18, 2025, event included a private demonstration of an artificial intelligence tool intended for educational use, showcasing its one-on-one tutoring capabilities. Attendees included McMahon, Byron Donalds, a Florida congressman, and several other influential figures. Following the demonstration, press materials described the event as the official launch of PTAA’s Nevada school and the introduction of the Alpha 1 AI tutoring platform.
A press release issued by PTAA emphasized the significance of federal and state participation in the event, portraying it as a commitment to enhancing education through technology in Nevada. Despite the formal publicity, access to the demonstration was limited, leading to criticisms that it catered to a select audience.
Pamintuan has publicly referred to his involvement with PTAA as a volunteer effort, stating in a 2025 email that he has dedicated significant time to the initiative since the onset of the pandemic. He has expressed frustration with state officials, claiming they obstructed the charter school’s progress and alleging bias against their beliefs and politics.
The charter school has faced setbacks, with its application denied twice during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, PTAA and a related organization initiated litigation against the state, which concluded with an undisclosed settlement. Currently, the charter school is not anticipated to open until the 2026-2027 academic year, as no intent to apply for a fall 2027 opening has been filed.
The ethics complaints against Pamintuan highlight concerns about the intersection of public service and private interests, with ongoing investigations expected to shed light on the legitimacy of these allegations. The commission’s findings will be crucial in determining whether any ethical breaches occurred in this case.