Something unusual is unfolding in Las Vegas right now. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is facing the possibility of contempt of court charges. The situation began when police refused to release a violent criminal who had been arrested 35 times.
At the center of the dispute is Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Eric Goodman. He ruled that 36-year-old Joshua Sanchez-Lopez could leave jail if he posted bail and agreed to electronic monitoring. Sheriff Kevin McMahill and other police officials pushed back immediately. They believe Sanchez-Lopez poses a serious risk to the community. But the safety of the community is something that a lot of liberal judges never even consider.
What started as a routine court order has turned into a much larger fight. The real question now involves authority and how far the justice system can go when public safety is involved.
Sanchez-Lopez is far from a minor offender. His record includes convictions for involuntary manslaughter and drug-related crimes. In January, he landed back in custody again. This time, the charge involved grand larceny connected to a motor vehicle.
Even with that history, Judge Goodman decided Sanchez-Lopez could be released under strict supervision. The order required electronic monitoring. The restrictions were meant to function in a way similar to house arrest.
Metro police refused to carry out the order.
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELOn January 29, officials told the court directly that Sanchez-Lopez would not be released. The department rejected the judge’s directive.
Police explained their reasoning in a written response. They pointed to earlier incidents where Sanchez-Lopez failed to appear in court. They also referenced violations tied to the department’s monitoring program.
One example drew particular attention.
During a previous release, Sanchez-Lopez received an ankle monitor. Instead of treating it seriously, he posted a photo of the device on Snapchat. Police say he mocked the department in that post.
Judge Goodman responded on February 5. His message carried a clear warning. If Metro continued to ignore the order, the department could face contempt of court charges.
Metro officials believe their position is legal. They argue that Nevada state law grants authority to the sheriff in situations like this. In their view, that authority allows them to refuse a release if public safety is at risk.
The suspect’s public defender sees it very differently.
Public defender P. David Westbrook issued a statement rejecting Metro’s argument. He said the department’s interpretation of the law is wrong.
Westbrook said decisions about pretrial release belong to the judge. He stressed that elected judges are responsible for deciding whether someone accused of a crime should remain in jail or be released under certain conditions.
The problem here, as I see it, is that most judges live in nice neighborhoods that don’t have to worry about criminals like Sanchez-Lopez.
Westbrook also raised a broader concern about what this situation could mean.
“The idea that a Metro employee can overrule a judge’s release order and keep someone locked up should worry anyone who believes in the Constitution and the rule of law,” he said.
The problem with that argument is that the sheriff is not just a run-of-the-mill Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department employee. He is an elected official whom the people of Clark County, Nevada, elected because they trust him to make the right decisions to protect the community.
Metro assistant general counsel Mike Dickerson offered the department’s side of the issue.
Dickerson explained that police must examine whether electronic monitoring can actually keep the community safe. Officials must determine whether the suspect can be supervised without creating danger.
“We have to take a look at that and say, ‘Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community?’” Dickerson said.
He also acknowledged that debates about public safety often involve very different viewpoints.
“There’s absolutely competing narratives about public safety occurring in our community. There are different approaches as well,” he added.
Nevada Republican Governor Joe Lombardo has stepped into the debate and voiced strong support for the police department.
In a social media message, Lombardo praised Sheriff Kevin McMahill and the officers of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
“Sheriff McMahill and the men and women of Metro are doing exactly what they’re sworn to do. Protect the public,” Lombardo wrote.
He also criticized situations where repeat offenders are released back into the community.
“When repeat violent offenders are ordered back onto our streets, law enforcement has a duty to speak up and push back,” he said.
Lombardo also confirmed that he supports Metro’s decision to challenge the issue before the Nevada Supreme Court.
“I fully support LVMPD’s decision to take this issue to the Nevada Supreme Court and fight for public safety. I stand with law enforcement,” the governor wrote.
Sheriff McMahill and the men and women of Metro are doing exactly what they’re sworn to do: protect the public.
When repeat violent offenders are ordered back onto our streets, law enforcement has a duty to speak up and push back.
I fully support LVMPD’s decision to take this…
— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) March 16, 2026
Judge Goodman continues to stand by his original ruling. He pointed out that the monitoring conditions placed on Sanchez-Lopez were strict and closely resembled house arrest.
Metro officials remain firm as well.
Dickerson said the department cannot ignore safety concerns simply to comply with a court order.
“The safety of our officers is paramount,” Dickerson said. “The safety of the public is critical.”
He also made it clear that Sheriff McMahill will not violate the law simply to satisfy the court if police believe the suspect presents a real danger.
Dickerson ended with a broader warning about how the system works today.
He explained that current procedures often allow suspects to leave jail quickly after an arrest. In some cases, he believes that the process needs closer examination.
“Sometimes there needs to be more thought given to it,” Dickerson said. “Lives are on the line.”
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