Las Vegas police union leader defends officers seen on body cam video in case against sergeant
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The head of the union representing Las Vegas Metro police officers is recognizing several officers for reporting one of their own, which led to an internal investigation, a criminal case, and a grand jury indictment against a sergeant.
"What courage it took for our officers to say, 'I need, to not just let the union know,' but once we gave our opinion, it was, 'Yeah, I'm ready. I want to talk to Internal Affairs. I want to talk to the chain like I don't want to just sit on this,'" Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, told the 8 News Now Investigators.
Police first arrested Sgt. Kevin Menon, 42, on Aug. 30. A grand jury later indicted Menon for 13 charges, including nine counts of oppression under color of office, two counts of subornation of perjury, oppression under color of office with immediate threat or use of physical force, and battery of a protected officer.
Menon is accused of orchestrating a scheme that resulted in individuals, mostly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip as Menon worked in plain clothes along with uniformed officers in April and May. The alleged illegal stops were recorded on police body camera video, in addition to video of Menon pushing an officer. No other officers have been charged. Grammas responded to criticism of the officers who participated and followed Menon's direction.
"These are young, impressionable officers," he said. "These young men and women said, 'Hey, I get it. He's our sergeant. He's leading us a certain way, but, gosh, something just doesn't pass the sniff test and so who do we turn to?' And they turn to us, thankfully." Grammas said his team immediately reached out to Metro leadership. While he said he is confident Metro leaders were not aware of Menon's actions, he said he believed Menon's supervisors at Convention Center Area Command were aware. A captain and lieutenant testified in front of the grand jury they were unaware of Menon's actions. Grammas said he does not believe Menon's actions will affect the view of Metro and policing on the strip. "They're going to enforce the laws on the Strip. This has put a spotlight on some nefarious actions," he said. On Wednesday, Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel increased Menon's bail to $150,000 after he already posted a $27,000 bond for his release from jail after his first arrest. By Thursday, Menon posted the higher bond amount after working with a bail bond company. Israel increased the bail amount after prosecutors asked him to revoke bail because of new charges against Menon. Detectives said they found child pornography on his devices. On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Menon for two child pornography-related charges. Menon was arrested again on Oct. 23 in connection with the second case. Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Nadia Wood set bail at $100,000 cash. Menon posted the full amount and was released from jail for a second time. After his arrest, the department placed Menon on leave with pay and his police powers were suspended pending an investigation. The department has since stopped paying him. Menon pleaded not guilty in his first case Wednesday. A jury trial is scheduled for March 31. An initial arraignment for his second case is scheduled for Nov. 20. To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
