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A former Las Vegas police officer who was facing multiple criminal charges for inappropriate sexual contact with young boys took his own life. The 27-year-old defendant, who was also a youth sports coach, shot and killed himself at Hillpointe Park near Hillpointe Road and Beechnut Avenue in Henderson, according to KTNV News. He was an officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at the time he was placed under arrest, but was relieved of his duties after charges were filed.
The former police officer was charged in May 2019 with 13 counts of lewdness with a child younger than the age of 14. He was also charged with 4 counts of attempted to lewdness, 5 counts of child abuse, 1 count of luring children through the use of a computer, and 1 count of open and gross lewdness.
An allegation for lewd acts is a serious charge in Nevada. Lewdness with a child under the age of 14 is considered a major felony in Nevada and a conviction would have resulted in harsh penalties. According to NRS 201.230, lewdness with a minor under 14 years is defined as committing any lewd or lascivious act upon the body, or any part or member thereof, under the age of 14 with the purpose of sexually gratifying the defendant or the child.
Prosecutors handling the criminal case indicated there was evidence that the officer was displaying inappropriate interest in young boys going as far back as 2009. The allegations included that the officer showed various boys how to masturbate, watched pornography with them, rubbed their genitals, and tried to cuddle with them while they were sleeping. Reports also indicate that he asked if he could shower with various victims.
Two parents who had a son on a team coached by the former officer had stated that they were not surprised by the arrest and criminal charges, based on the behavior he displayed with their young boys. The parents also indicated that several other parents took note of his behavior and kept their children away from him, according to KTNV News.
This is not the first time someone who was facing multiple sexual misconduct charges decided to take their own life. Recently, Jeffrey Epstein, a multi-millionaire and influential political donor, was found dead by suicide in his jail cell. Epstein was awaiting trial for multiple charges of alleged sex-trafficking, according to New York Magazine.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important not to simply give up hope and take your own life. You have the right to defense and someone who will stand up in court and advocate for your best interests.
This is why you should contact LV Criminal Defense today to schedule a free, confidential case review. Our legal team is here to help.
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