A constitutional clash over public safety is heading to Nevada’s highest court after Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill refused a judge’s order to release a defendant with 35 prior arrests, arguing state law gives his office final authority over who qualifies for electronic monitoring programs.

The Constitutional Standoff

The dispute centers on Daniel Sanchez-Lopez, arrested in January for grand larceny of a motor vehicle. Judge Suzan Baucum Goodman set bail at $25,000 and ordered high-level electronic monitoring if bond was posted. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department refused, citing multiple bench warrants, failures to appear in court, and prior violations of monitoring programs. When police declined to comply, Goodman threatened contempt sanctions against department officials.

Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, told Fox News Digital the law clearly supports the sheriff’s position. He emphasized that state statute gives the sheriff authority to determine whether supervised monitoring poses an unreasonable risk to public safety. The department issued a statement declaring Sheriff McMahill will not violate the law to release people deemed dangerous, regardless of judicial pressure.

History of Violations Raises Concerns

Law enforcement officials point to Sanchez-Lopez’s past behavior as justification for their stance. During a 2020 arrest, he allegedly fled from officers while armed with a gun. He later posted on Snapchat showing his ankle monitor with text saying he got chased again, according to court documents. David Moody, a retired LVMPD detective and state president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Nevada, said dozens of prior arrests and violation history raise serious concerns about safe community release.

Legal Arguments and Public Response

Public defender P. David Westbrook countered that the sheriff is overstepping his authority, arguing it is the elected judge’s job to decide release conditions for those charged with crimes. The Nevada Supreme Court has not yet scheduled a hearing on the sheriff’s petition. The case has drawn widespread attention online, with conservative voices praising McMahill’s stand. United States Attorney for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah expressed pride in the sheriff’s actions, while the Nevada Republican Club declared strong support for his decision to prioritize public safety over judicial orders.