Las Vegas Sheriff Defies Judge's Order to Release Repeat Offender

Clash over electronic monitoring program heads to Nevada Supreme Court

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A Las Vegas sheriff is refusing to release a repeat offender with 35 arrests despite a judge's order, sparking a legal showdown now headed to the Nevada Supreme Court over who decides if a suspect is too dangerous to leave jail. The dispute began after a judge ordered the suspect, Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, to be released on electronic monitoring, but law enforcement officials declined, arguing his criminal history makes him too dangerous to supervise in the community.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over bail reform and public safety, with law enforcement arguing they should have the final say on whether a suspect can be safely released on electronic monitoring. It also raises questions about the limits of judicial authority and the balance of power between the courts and law enforcement.

The details

Joshua Sanchez-Lopez, 36, is a felon with a record of 35 arrests and prior prison time for drug and involuntary manslaughter charges. Police say his past behavior, including an incident where he allegedly ran from officers while armed with a gun and later posted about it on Snapchat, raises serious concerns about public safety. The sheriff's office is now asking the Nevada Supreme Court to intervene, arguing state law gives them the authority to determine whether someone can be safely supervised outside of jail.

  • In January 2026, Sanchez-Lopez was arrested on a charge of grand larceny of a motor vehicle.
  • During a court hearing, a judge ordered Sanchez-Lopez to be placed on 'high-level' electronic monitoring if he posted bond, but authorities refused to release him.

The players

Joshua Sanchez-Lopez

A 36-year-old felon with a record of 35 arrests and prior prison time for drug and involuntary manslaughter charges.

Judge Eric Goodman

A Las Vegas Justice Court judge who ordered Sanchez-Lopez to be released on electronic monitoring.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The law enforcement agency that is refusing to release Sanchez-Lopez, arguing his criminal history makes him too dangerous to supervise in the community.

Kevin McMahill

The Clark County Sheriff who is asking the Nevada Supreme Court to intervene, arguing state law gives him the authority to determine whether someone can be safely supervised outside of jail.

P. David Westbrook

The public defender representing Sanchez-Lopez, who argues the sheriff is overstepping his authority.

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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 for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (KLAS)

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

— Steve Grammas, Retired LVMPD detective and president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association (KLAS)

“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.”

— P. David Westbrook, Public defender (KLAS)

What’s next

The Nevada Supreme Court has not yet scheduled a hearing on the petition filed by the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between judicial authority and law enforcement discretion when it comes to decisions about releasing defendants on electronic monitoring. It underscores the complex balance between public safety concerns and individual rights that courts and law enforcement must navigate.