A legal battle is escalating in Las Vegas as the local sheriff refuses to comply with a judge's order to release Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, a repeat offender with 35 prior arrests. The dispute between law enforcement and the judiciary centers on whether Sanchez-Lopez, whose criminal history includes involuntary manslaughter, drug charges, and vehicle theft, should be released under electronic monitoring.

Judge Eric Goodman ordered Sanchez-Lopez's release with an ankle monitor, citing Nevada's 2020 legislation requiring judges to consider the least restrictive bail conditions. However, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has challenged this decision, arguing that Sanchez-Lopez poses a significant public safety risk. The LVMPD highlighted his history of evading court appearances and mocking court-ordered rehabilitation efforts.

Assistant General Counsel for Metro, Mike Dickerson, expressed concerns about Sanchez-Lopez's suitability for electronic monitoring, emphasizing public safety. "Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community?" Dickerson asked.

On January 29, the police formally refused to release Sanchez-Lopez, leading Judge Goodman to threaten contempt charges against the department and Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. The LVMPD responded by filing a petition with the Nevada Supreme Court on March 9, seeking to prevent the enforcement of the judge's order, arguing it violates the sheriff's statutory duties.

Public defender P. David Westbrook criticized the police's stance, stating, "It is the job of the elected judge to decide whether someone charged with a crime should be released and under what conditions."

As the legal clash continues, the Nevada Supreme Court has yet to schedule a hearing on the petition. Meanwhile, Sanchez-Lopez's case is set to return to Judge Goodman's courtroom on Thursday (March 19).

Armstrong & Getty