Vegas Sheriff Tells Judge to Kick Rocks, He’s Not Releasing Criminal with 35 Arrests [WATCH]

A dispute between a Las Vegas judge and law enforcement officials over the release of a repeat offender is escalating to the Nevada Supreme Court, raising questions about who has the authority to determine whether a suspect is too dangerous to be placed on electronic monitoring.

The case centers on 36-year-old Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, a felon with a criminal history that includes 35 arrests and prior prison time for drug-related offenses and involuntary manslaughter, according to records cited by KLAS.

The conflict began after Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Eric Goodman ordered Sanchez-Lopez released on electronic monitoring following his January arrest on a charge of grand larceny of a motor vehicle.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Goodman set bail at $25,000 and directed that Sanchez-Lopez be placed on what was described as “high-level” electronic monitoring, effectively house arrest, if he posted bond.

Electronic monitoring programs allow defendants to leave jail under supervision while wearing GPS ankle devices that track their movements.

However, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department declined to release Sanchez-Lopez, citing concerns about his criminal history and past behavior.

Authorities pointed to prior bench warrants, failures to appear in court, and violations of monitoring program requirements as reasons for denying his release.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Records cited by KLAS detail an incident from 2020 in which Sanchez-Lopez allegedly fled from officers while armed with a firearm.

According to those records, he later posted on Snapchat showing his ankle monitor and stating he “got chased again.”

Law enforcement officials said such incidents factored into their decision to keep him in custody rather than place him in the community under electronic supervision.

“We have to take a look at that and say, ‘Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community?’” said Mike Dickerson, assistant general counsel for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

“This is an issue of public safety.”

When police refused to release Sanchez-Lopez, Judge Goodman ordered the department to comply with his ruling and warned officials they could face contempt sanctions if they did not follow the order, according to KLAS.

The department has instead asked the Nevada Supreme Court to intervene, arguing that state law gives Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill the authority to determine whether an individual can safely be placed on electronic monitoring.

“Sheriff McMahill will not violate the law to appease the Las Vegas Justice Court and let out people who he deems to be dangerous,” the department said in a statement.

Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, said the dispute centers on statutory authority over jail supervision decisions.

“Statutorily, it’s very clear the sheriff decides whether someone can be placed on supervised monitoring,” Grammas said.

“It’s his jail and his supervision, so that decision rests with him.”

David Moody, a retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detective and state president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Nevada, said Sanchez-Lopez’s history raises concerns about releasing him into the community.

“When someone has dozens of prior arrests and a history of violations, that raises serious concerns about whether they can safely be released into the community,” Moody said.

“From a law enforcement perspective, public safety has to come first.”

Sanchez-Lopez’s attorney, public defender P. David Westbrook, disputed the sheriff’s position and argued that the authority to determine release conditions lies with the court.

“Metro’s argument is flat wrong,” Westbrook said in a statement to KLAS.

“It is the job of the elected judge to decide whether someone charged with a crime should be released and under what conditions.”

The case has drawn attention beyond the courtroom, with public commentary emerging online.

The social media account Libs of TikTok posted about the situation on X, referring to Sanchez-Lopez as a “violent career criminal” and writing, “Kudos to this sheriff!”

The Nevada Republican Club also posted about the dispute, stating, “That’s our Sheriff. We stand behind him all day long.”

Sigal Chattah, the U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada, also commented on X, writing: “Couldn’t be more proud to call this guy MY SHERIFF… bow down America to King Kevin.”

The Nevada Supreme Court has not yet scheduled a hearing on the matter.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.