Authorities in Nye County shut down the Love Ranch Brothel in the wee hours of Sunday morning — something that owner Dennis Hof says is a political maneuver by his opponents as he seeks an Assembly seat.

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office announced that the brothel was closed amid concerns that is was not in compliance with fire codes related to manufactured housing and said the state fire marshal was meeting with brothel representatives Monday to determine whether there were closure-worthy issues at the business. The Love Ranch’s restaurant and bar were allowed to stay open.

Reached by phone on Monday, Hof said the brothel had a valid certificate of occupancy and had a fire inspection three months ago. He alleged that the matter was an attempt to embarrass him that was propagated by allies of his primary opponent, Republican Assemblyman James Oscarson.

“There’s no question about it. It’s totally political,” said Hof, who predicted the brothel would be allowed to resume operations by this evening. “We’re on the right side of this.”

A representative for Oscarson’s campaign accused Hof of not taking action when it became evident that he was in danger of losing his brothel license.

“Mr. Hof, once again, appears to be certain that he is above the law,” Oscarson said in a statement. “He blamed me, and other elected officials, for a situation he put himself in, by apparently not following county and state codes, on numerous occasions. I am reminded of a quote, by Stephen R. Covey, ‘You can’t talk your way out of a problem you behaved yourself into.’”

Hof said 33 employees had to surrender the county-issued work permits required of prostitutes, and said many were crying and upset about the situation, which cost the workers income during the weekend period.

Nye County Complaint Against Dennis Hof's Love Ranch by Michelle Rindels on Scribd