Henderson Councilwoman Faces Criminal Charges, Judge Denies Dismissal

Carrie Cox accused of secretly recording private conversation at City Hall

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A judge has ruled that a criminal case against Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox will move forward to trial. Cox is accused of secretly recording a private conversation between another council member and two business leaders at City Hall in January 2025. Her attorney argued the charge is rarely prosecuted and there was insufficient evidence, but the judge said a jury should decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to convict Cox.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about privacy rights, the use of secret recordings in government, and whether the charges against Cox are politically motivated, as her attorney has claimed.

The details

Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox was indicted in November 2025 after Councilwoman Monica Larson alleged that Cox hid behind a curtain at City Hall and recorded an 8-minute conversation Larson was having with two business leaders. Cox's attorney argued the charge is rarely prosecuted and there was insufficient evidence that Cox "knowingly and willfully" violated a state statute. However, the judge ruled that a jury should decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to convict Cox.

  • In January 2025, the alleged incident occurred at Henderson City Hall.
  • On November 5, 2025, Cox was indicted by a Clark County grand jury.
  • On February 24, 2026, the judge denied the motion to dismiss the case against Cox.

The players

Carrie Cox

Henderson Councilwoman who is accused of secretly recording a private conversation at City Hall.

Monica Larson

Henderson Councilwoman who alleged that Cox recorded her conversation with two business leaders.

Josh Tomsheck

Carrie Cox's defense attorney who argued the charge is rarely prosecuted and there was insufficient evidence.

Nadia Krall

District Judge who ruled that a jury should decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to convict Cox.

Colleen Brown

Chief Deputy District Attorney who rebuffed the claim that the charges against Cox were politically motivated.

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What they’re saying

“Ignorance of the law is not a defense.”

— Nadia Krall, District Judge

“I think it's irresponsible to claim that our office is arguing things on political motivation.”

— Colleen Brown, Chief Deputy District Attorney

What’s next

A jury trial for Cox's case is scheduled to begin on October 19.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding privacy rights, the use of secret recordings in government, and potential political motivations behind criminal charges. The upcoming jury trial will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to convict the councilwoman.