Las Vegas Police Defy Judge, Refuse Court-Ordered Release of Repeat Felon
Las Vegas is witnessing an unusual legal standoff as city law enforcement and a local judge clash over the pretrial release of a repeat offender, raising critical questions about public safety and judicial authority.
The case involves 36-year-old Joshua Sanchez‑Lopez, a convicted felon with 35 prior arrests, including involuntary manslaughter and multiple drug convictions.
He was taken into custody in January on a grand larceny warrant related to a stolen vehicle.
Judge Eric Goodman of Las Vegas Justice Court set bail at $25,000 and ordered that, if paid, Sanchez‑Lopez be released under an electronic monitoring program.
The system uses ankle bracelets to track individuals while they remain at home during pretrial supervision.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), however, refused to implement the monitoring order.
Officials cited Sanchez‑Lopez’s history of failing to appear in court, prior bench warrants, and repeated violations of electronic monitoring rules.
They argued that releasing him under the program posed an unacceptable risk to the community.
“We have to take a look at that and say, ‘Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community? This is an issue of public safety,” said Mike Dickerson, assistant general counsel for Metro Police, according to Local 12.
Police emphasized that their refusal was rooted in safety concerns rather than a direct challenge to judicial authority, highlighting the tension between law enforcement discretion and court orders.
Judge Goodman responded by warning that both the police department and Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill could face contempt of court for ignoring his release directive, emphasizing the court’s authority, the seriousness of defying judicial orders, and the potential legal and professional consequences for law enforcement officials involved.
The case involves 36-year-old Joshua Sanchez‑Lopez, a convicted felon with 35 prior arrests, including involuntary manslaughter and multiple drug convictions.
He was taken into custody in January on a grand larceny warrant related to a stolen vehicle.
Judge Eric Goodman of Las Vegas Justice Court set bail at $25,000 and ordered that, if paid, Sanchez‑Lopez be released under an electronic monitoring program.
The system uses ankle bracelets to track individuals while they remain at home during pretrial supervision.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), however, refused to implement the monitoring order.
Officials cited Sanchez‑Lopez’s history of failing to appear in court, prior bench warrants, and repeated violations of electronic monitoring rules.
They argued that releasing him under the program posed an unacceptable risk to the community.
“We have to take a look at that and say, ‘Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community? This is an issue of public safety,” said Mike Dickerson, assistant general counsel for Metro Police, according to Local 12.
Police emphasized that their refusal was rooted in safety concerns rather than a direct challenge to judicial authority, highlighting the tension between law enforcement discretion and court orders.
Judge Goodman responded by warning that both the police department and Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill could face contempt of court for ignoring his release directive, emphasizing the court’s authority, the seriousness of defying judicial orders, and the potential legal and professional consequences for law enforcement officials involved.
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