Las Vegas Judge and Police Clash Over Releasing Violent Repeat Offender

Authorities disagree on whether to release a career criminal with a lengthy rap sheet on an ankle monitor

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A Las Vegas judge is threatening to hold the police department in contempt for refusing to release a violent career criminal with 35 prior arrests, including for involuntary manslaughter, drugs, and car theft. The police department is challenging the judge's authority, arguing the suspect is too dangerous to release on an ankle monitor despite the judge's order.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the courts and law enforcement over who has the authority to determine the fate of dangerous repeat offenders. It raises questions about bail reform, public safety, and the balance of power between the judicial and law enforcement systems.

The details

Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, a 36-year-old repeat felon, was recently arrested on a warrant for grand larceny of a motor vehicle. In court, Judge Eric Goodman set bail at $25,000 and ordered Sanchez-Lopez to wear an ankle monitor if released. However, the Las Vegas Metro police department, which runs the jail system, refused to release Sanchez-Lopez, citing his history of skipping court appearances and his past incident of running from police while wearing an ankle monitor. The police have now filed a petition challenging the judge's authority to order Sanchez-Lopez's release.

  • In January 2026, Sanchez-Lopez was picked up by Metro police on a warrant for grand larceny of a motor vehicle.
  • On January 29, 2026, the police department told Judge Goodman they would not release Sanchez-Lopez due to his criminal history.
  • On February 5, 2026, Judge Goodman warned the police department and Sheriff Kevin McMahill that they could be cited for contempt of court for defying his release order.
  • On March 9, 2026, the police department filed a petition asking the court to stop trying to force them to release Sanchez-Lopez.

The players

Joshua Sanchez-Lopez

A 36-year-old career criminal with 35 prior arrests, including for involuntary manslaughter, drugs, and car theft.

Judge Eric Goodman

A Las Vegas judge who ordered Sanchez-Lopez released on an ankle monitor, and is threatening to hold the police department in contempt for refusing to comply.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department

The police department that runs the jail system in Las Vegas and is challenging the judge's authority to order the release of Sanchez-Lopez, whom they consider too dangerous.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill

The head of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, who the judge warned could be cited for contempt of court.

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What they’re saying

“We have to take a look at that and say, 'Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community?' This is an issue of public safety.”

— Mike Dickerson, Assistant General Counsel, Las Vegas Metro Police Department (KLAS-TV News)

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

— P. David Westbrook, Public Defender (KLAS-TV News)

What’s next

The case is scheduled to return to court this week, where the judge and police department will continue to argue over who has the authority to determine Sanchez-Lopez's release.

The takeaway

This clash between the Las Vegas courts and law enforcement highlights the ongoing debate over bail reform, public safety, and the balance of power between the judicial and law enforcement systems when it comes to managing dangerous repeat offenders.