Vegas police refuse to release violent criminal despite judge’s order
A courtroom standoff in Las Vegas is raising questions about the balance of power between judges and law enforcement after police refused to follow a release order for a repeat offender with a long criminal history.
Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, 36, has a record of 35 prior arrests, including charges of involuntary manslaughter, drug offenses, and car theft, according to KLAS-TV News. Justice Eric Goodman ordered that Sanchez-Lopez be released on bail with an electronic ankle monitor, but Las Vegas Metro police argue he is too dangerous to be allowed back into the community.
“Before we can release someone, we have to determine whether our monitoring program can keep the public safe,” said Mike Dickerson, assistant general counsel for Metro police. “Public safety is our primary concern.”
The dispute escalated last week when the police department formally challenged Judge Goodman’s authority, arguing that the decision to release Sanchez-Lopez oversteps the department’s responsibilities. “There are conflicting views on what protects the community best,” Dickerson said.
Sanchez-Lopez was arrested in January on a grand larceny warrant for stealing a motor vehicle. His criminal record also includes previous prison sentences for drug offenses and manslaughter. Judge Goodman set bail at $25,000 and required that Sanchez-Lopez wear an ankle monitor, effectively placing him under house arrest if he posted bail.
Despite the order, the Metro police department refused to release him, citing repeated failures to appear in court and complete court-mandated rehabilitation programs. Officers also referenced a 2020 incident in which Sanchez-Lopez fled police with a firearm and later posted mocking messages on social media about his ankle monitor.
Judge Goodman responded firmly to the defiance, warning on February 5 that the department and Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill could face contempt of court charges for ignoring his order. The standoff continued as the department filed a petition on March 9, asking the court to stop attempting to force the sheriff to violate his statutory duties. The case is back in court this week.
Sanchez-Lopez’s public defender criticized the police stance. “It is the judge’s role to determine release and conditions, not Metro employees,” attorney P. David Westbrook said. “The idea that a police department can overrule a judge should concern anyone who values the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Nevada law, under a 2020 statute, directs judges to consider the least restrictive bail necessary in criminal cases. Justice Goodman, a Las Vegas native, has served on the bench since 2009.
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