A legal standoff in Las Vegas has emerged over the release of Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, a convicted felon with 35 prior arrests, after a judge ordered him placed on electronic monitoring.
Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Eric Goodman set bail at $25,000 following Sanchez-Lopez’s latest arrest on charges including grand larceny of a motor vehicle. Goodman ordered that Sanchez-Lopez be released to house arrest with an ankle monitor after he posted bond.
Sanchez-Lopez posted bail on January 24, but he remained in custody weeks later. Judge Goodman issued additional orders on February 5 and February 9, warning that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) could face contempt sanctions for failing to comply with the order.
“Call me crazy, but I’m the judge,” Goodman declared during the proceedings.
Despite the court orders, LVMPD, led by Sheriff Kevin McMahill, refused to release Sanchez-Lopez, citing state law that allows sheriffs to deny electronic monitoring if the individual poses an “unreasonable risk” to public safety or corrections officers. In filings and a formal letter to the court, the department cited Sanchez-Lopez’s violent criminal history, including convictions for involuntary manslaughter and drug offenses, as justification for continued detention.
In early March, Metro’s attorneys petitioned the Nevada Supreme Court, arguing that the judge had overstepped his authority by attempting to force compliance in violation of statutory duties. The department maintains it is not acting in defiance but is prioritizing the safety of the community.
Public reaction has largely supported McMahill’s stance, viewing it as a measure to protect citizens from a repeat offender.
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