Senate Democrats: Nevada Senate leader Atkinson to resign

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Democrats controlling the Nevada state Senate say the chamber's leader Kelvin Atkinson is resigning.

The Nevada Senate Democrats' Executive Director Cheryl Bruce said in a statement Tuesday that the North Las Vegas senator will resign because of charges he faces that "are serious and allege conduct that we strongly condemn."

The statement did not offer further details and Bruce did not respond to an emailed message seeking further details.

Atkinson did not respond to a message left on his cellphone seeking comment.

Bruce says Assistant Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro will become the acting Senate leader.

Atkinson was first elected to the Assembly in 2002 and to the state Senate in 2012.