Washoe County Manager Eric Brown Caught Drinking at Bar While on “Medical Leave for Pneumonia” Washoe County Manager Eric Brown is reportedly on medical leave for pneumonia—a serious medical condition. However, that didn’t stop him and his wife from spending time at a bar in Sparks. Sources aware of Eric’s supposed condition were surprised to see his car, with personalized plates, parked in front of the Red Hawk Golf and Resort, where he was found inside the bar. Eric Brown went on medical leave on October 28, reportedly due to contracting pneumonia the week prior. Conflicting statements were made about his leave, initially said to be for a “medical procedure” scheduled for later in November, which then shifted to “contracting pneumonia.” Either way, he’s not at work but still collecting a paycheck from taxpayers. As the top elections official, his absence, along with that of the voter registrar, raises questions about oversight of the election process in Washoe County. According to a statement by Washoe County Spokesperson Bethany Drysdale: “‘We tell our employees that it’s okay to get sick and take time for family and use their leave, and I’m going to do exactly that,’ Brown said. ‘I need to listen to my body and to my healthcare provider so I can return to the job I love.’” Apparently, “listening to his body” led him to go to the bar. This isn’t the first controversy involving Brown and his wife at a bar. In 2021, Eric’s wife, Melody, was arrested in Sparks after hitting a traffic sign, which blew out her tire and damaged her Audi. During the arrest, she repeatedly mentioned her husband’s name and position. Bodycam footage revealed that arresting officers noted Eric Brown “sounded drunk” when contacted. Despite Melody’s blood alcohol content being four times the legal limit, she was not convicted of DUI but received a reduced charge of “reckless driving.” County Manager Eric Brown makes over $331,000 per year for managing a county of 480,000 residents. #reno #sparks #nevada #washoecounty