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Volume 16, Issue 43 Dec. 31, 2014-Jan. 6, 2015 lasvegastribune.com Ward 5 Chamber of Commerce Member

Dozens of mistakes identified in now-viewable records Federal education officials: Nevada can’t charge dad to look at children’s records By Karen Gray vada Journal last week that after lection program — called the “Sys- records, at no cost, regardless of Nevada Journal months of battling with the Nevada tem of Accountability Information whether they are maintained by the LAS VEGAS — Remember the Department of Education (NDE), Network,” or SAIN — “was not school, district or state. Nevada dad who was told it would he and his wife were finally allowed designed for student-level inspec- Conversations with officials at cost him over $10,000 to see the to review the records housed on his tion” and informed Eppolito it the federal U.S. Family Policy records the State of Nevada has on children in the department’s data- would cost him $10,194 to see the Compliance Office also suggested his children, a story first reported base. information because the state would the possibility that NDE was in vio- by Nevada Journal? While Eppolito said it would have to do a “data dump” and cre- lation of the Act. He’s been allowed to view those have taken more than a full day to ate the programming required to Such violation, at least theoreti- records — without being charged review and understand all the data, produce a “report.” cally, could mean Nevada losing — following intervention by the in the four hours he spent review- Eppolito, however, had not federal education dollars. federal Department of Education. ing the information, he identified asked the state for a report. He sim- Nevada Journal contacted NDE, Student information warehoused in more than 30 erroneous addresses ply asked to “see” the information citing federal officials’ statement the Nevada State Longitudinal Data associated with his children. regarding his children that NDE that the state was “supposed to pro- System, said federal officials, con- “These are just four kids,” he maintained in its database. vide [parents] the opportunity to stitutes education records under the said. “How many others?” Parents’ rights inspect and review [records] upon Family Education Rights and Pri- NDE uploads and stores more under federal law request,” and that “there shouldn’t vacy Act and therefore must be than 800 points of data daily on JOHN EPPOLITO Federal law — the Family Edu- be a fee for inspecting and review- open to inspection by parents. each public school student, and on his four children. cation Rights and Privacy Act — ing the records.” John Eppolito, the father of four Eppolito earlier this year asked de- State officials responded that the entitles parents to review and in- Nevada State Superintendent of faced with paying $10,194, told Ne- partment officials to see the records state’s $10 million K-12 data col- spect their children’s educational (See Parent’s Rights, Page 6) My Point of View By Rolando Larraz I am glad the euphoria of the holidays is over this week and I can go back to a normal status writing my Point of View without having to be worried about hurting anyone’s feelings or giving the im- pression of being a cold-blooded insensitive person. But, before I start writing some of the stuff that has been bothering me for a while, I want to take a moment to thank District Court TOP LOCAL STORIES OF 2014 Judge Art Richie Jr. for the beauti- ful Christmas card he and his wife sent me. Judge Richie is maybe the only one in this world that still uses real Christmas cards to send to people in the Christmas season — we didn’t even send real cards this year — and for that I am grateful to Judge and Mrs. Ritchie Jr. for their effort to keep the tradition alive while helping to support the United the State Postal Service by purchasing stamps. While talking about judges in year District Court I want to thank Judge William “Bill” Kephart for the in- vitation that I had received to his in news swearing-in ceremony on Friday, (See pages 4 and 5) January 2nd, 2015 at the Clark County Government Center (Com- mission Chambers) 500 Grand Cen- tral Parkway. The event is at 2:00 p.m. precisely. This event is not going to be like events in the courtroom of some of the judges — such as when some- thing is scheduled for 9:00 and at 9:20 the judge is seen at the court- house parking lot just getting out of the car. And... I’m still waiting for the delicious cookies that one of the judges promised me before the Christmas season started; but in the meantime I will start with my first column of the new year, 2015. FROM THE DESK OF GORDON MARTINES Perhaps this year Chief Judge Jennifer Togliatti will take time out of her busy schedule and address Morality is a private and costly matter the attorneys’ attire in open court. By Gordon Martines officer-involved fatal shooting in- In my widest dreams, I still can’t is Detective Yant, the new chief How can the court tell people how By definition, Morality is the set cident. After all the lies have been quite figure out why a human be- counselor for cop shootings, for the to dress for court when an attorney of principles concerning the distinc- told, the cover-up manufactured, ing, unarmed, squatting down half- LVPPA. shows up in jeans, jogging shoes, tion between right and wrong or and all the parties involved have naked, flushing his dope down a Morality=0 Expediency=1 T-shirt and (maybe by accident) a good and bad behavior. Having di- been publicly vindicated and even toilet, is suddenly, recklessly, and Let us examine the Stanley jacket and with the blessing of the rectly been an observer for the past promoted to higher positions, tax- maliciously shot in the back of his Gibson officer-involved fatal shoot- judge conducting his morning cal- 36 years, I can attest to the fact that payer monies were then given to the head and killed instantly by a nar- ing. Stanley Gibson for the most endar? the LVMPD police administration survivors so that they would not cotics detective serving a warrant, part had barricaded himself in his I was in that courtroom that day, is definitely lacking in Morality. pursue a civil rights complaint law- who - backed up by several other vehicle in the parking lot of an I saw it with my own eyes, and Notwithstanding, this past, suit and thus possibly expose narcotics detectives and a TV civil- apartment complex. Responding thought he was the defendant in- present, and more than likely future, wrongful acts committed by the ian camera crew - felt that the lives officers had blocked Gibson’s ve- stead of the attorney of record and police administration substitutes police department. And as a side of his backup team and himself hicle from moving in any direction the judge sounded sincerely grate- money for morality. In police terms, note, let me reassure you that when were in immediate danger from by the use of their patrol vehicles, ful when she thanked the attorney it is called “Shut-your-mouth the federal government examines a Travon Cole. I am guessing that the setting up a barricade. A plan was for coming in dressed ready to jump money.” case for trial, there is no stone left only person that knows the real formulated to approach Gibson’s (See My Point of View, Page 2) Let’s examine the Travon Cole unturned. truth of why deadly force was used (See From the Desk, Page 8) Page 4 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015

Our 10 most important local stories of 2014 ers asking for a license to be drug- pocket knife. Also, her habeas pe- ried stories for many years about dealers. tition includes unrebutted new evi- families and children the system has From a sitting Judge (Jim Bixler) dence by nine alibi witnesses who victimized, giving credence to that to the son of the Senate Majority were informed by her beginning in assertion, but sadly, it’s nothing Leader (Rory Reid) to a narcotic May 2001 that she used her pocket new. detective and political pundit knife to fend off a would-be rapist One speaker at the public hear- (David Kallas) to a powerful politi- in Las Vegas. ing, Verise Campbell, a grand- cal consultant (Sig Rogich) to a 4) Owens lied that Ms. Lobato’s mother of two young children who newspaper magnate owner of sev- vague comment referring to a con- had a hard fought battle to gain cus- eral newspapers in the area and ca- versation with her father is evidence tody of them, was a key presenter sino owner (Bryan Greenspun), as of a guilty mind to Bailey’s homi- whose story became somewhat cen- well as casino executives and real cide. The truth is her comment re- tral to the day. Her story brought estate tycoons and almost anyone fers to a conversation with her fa- tears and highlighted several of the who is someone in Las Vegas, in- ther in June 2001 — weeks prior to problems others report experienc- 10. Reid wants suburban — on a corner that could very well cluding those who still hide their Bailey’s homicide. ing with the child welfare system. Chinatown on Bundy’s land be called the corner of Happy and names under some of their puppets 5) Owens lied, “But nothing at The courtroom on the 17th floor After one whole week of ten- Healthy (as the commercial for to avoid the publicity: they all want the crime scene is going to help in the Nevada Supreme Court hear- sion, confrontation and threats, the Walgreen drug store states), a piece of the pie, a piece of the them because the jury already knew ing room at the Regional Justice Bureau of Land Management Fremont and 6th Street, in the heart marijuana market fortune. that evidence there pointed away Center was filled to its 70-seat ca- backed up from the idea of taking of Las Vegas. Only those with money and from Kirstin.” The truth is Ms. pacity for the four-hour long ses- rancher Cliven Bundy’s cattle and There has been only a handful clout are allowed to be marijuana Lobato’s unrebutted new exculpa- sion, according the Public Informa- decided to allow Bundy’s cattle to of men in Las Vegas that deserve dealers in order to keep the money tory crime scene evidence estab- tion Officer Michael Sommermeyer graze on public land. to be called legends, and added in within the same elite group. No lishes among other things that of the Administrative Office of the After twenty-one years of rais- between Benny Binion and Sam outsiders are allowed. Bailey’s killer made all the Courts, who directed overflow visi- ing his cattle on what is now fed- Boyd is Jackie Gaughan. No others shoeprints imprinted in blood and tors to an area where they could eral land, the Bureau of Land Man- can claim that title. they don’t match Ms. Lobato; stand. agement decided that it’s time for Jackie Gaughan partnered with Bailey’s cutting and stab wounds Justice Nancy Saitta presided as Bundy to pay — or for his cattle many legendary figures of our were not inflicted by her pocket the chair and lead driving force be- not to graze on federal land. time, including Ben Siegel, but knife; and Bailey was alive when hind the blue ribbon committee she The Bundy’s ranch, located less Jackie always stood by his own his rectum injury occurred, proving convened to look into and report its than a hundred miles from Las Ve- principals and his own rules, she was convicted of a non-existent findings, recommendations and di- gas, has been in Cliven Bundy’s getting the reputation of an honest violation of NRS 201.450. Further- rectives by the end of its four-month family since 1870 and he has owned and straightforward individual. more, two jurors determined after term. The period ends early in 2015 almost three hundred acres of the Last week, with the death of reviewing all the new evidence that prior to Nevada Legislature’s bi- land adjacent to the one of which legendary casino figure Jackie “it could have possibly resulted in annual session. Saitta said the the federal government is claiming Gaughan, Las Vegas saw the end 7. Lawyer lied during Kirstin either a hung jury or Ms. Lobato’s committee’s report will be complete ownership. of an era that, unfortunately, we Lobato’s Nevada Supreme acquittal.” in time for “action” in the upcom- The seized part of Bundy’s cattle never can or will see again. Court arguments 6) Owens lied Bailey’s time of ing session. by the federal government sparked * * * * * A minimum-wage convenience death isn’t “critical.” The truth is What was clear from the first protesters from different parts of the 8. County reveals licensees store clerk who lies under oath in the State’s theory of Ms. Lobato’s public hearing of the planned series nation to come down to support for Marijuana: The new drug court can be convicted of perjury guilt depended on convincing the is that action for change is called Bundy’s rights to have his cattle dealers do not know how to and sentenced to prison. In contrast, jury Bailey died before 7 a.m. for loudly; but will anything ulti- graze on federal land as he and his spread the wealth a highly paid lawyer can fearlessly 7) Owens lied the jury “rejected” mately be done? Some in atten- family have done for over a cen- Not that long ago being a mari- lie his or her head off when pub- Ms. Lobato’s alibi evidence she was dance, such as panel members tury. juana-smoker was not something licly appearing before the Nevada in Panaca the evening of July 8. The Mayor Carolyn Goodman, District Protesters — who all believe in that one bragged about, and being Supreme Court. truth is the State conceded during Judge Deborah Schumacher and the U.S. Constitution — traveled a marijuana dealer carried a stigma We know that because of what its closing argument it is factually Saitta of the blue ribbon commit- from California, Idaho, Las Vegas with it, since that was not accepted occurred during oral arguments be- true she was in Panaca from at least tee vow to bring about change. (NV) and Montana to Bunkerville in the majority of social circles or fore the full Nevada Supreme Court “11:30 a.m. through the night.” to unite with Bundy in his singular communities anywhere. on September 9, 2014 concerning 8) Owens lied in his assertions effort and offer him a show of A long-time Las Vegas high- Kirstin Blaise Lobato’s habeas cor- Ms. Lobato’s unrebutted new expert peaceful support in his stand against roller named Jimmy Chagra — pus appeal. The attorney represent- forensic evidence Bailey died after injustice. whose name isn’t that well known ing the State of Nevada — Clark 8 p.m. isn’t important. The truth is Bundy, a 67-year-old rancher today — was a legend on the fa- County Assistant District Attorney the State conceded at trial she was whose family has operated a ranch mous Las Vegas Strip back in his Steven S. Owens — repeatedly lied in Panaca 165 miles from Las Ve- since the 1870s, does not recognize day. about issues related to Ms. Lobato’s gas at that time, so it is impossible federal ownership of the land where According to gaming experts, case. she committed his homicide. his cattle graze. Nevada, says Jimmy Chagra gambled millions, The Supreme Court’s response 9) Owens lied, “We have here a Bundy, owns the property. handed out $10,000 tips to cocktail has been deafening silence. Owens’ couple statutory remedies that Ms. The federal government dis- waitresses, and sometimes even dishonest assertions include: Lobato could avail herself of. ... and agrees. In 1993, the government paid off the mortgages of certain 1) Owens lied twice that Ms. the other is a motion for DNA test- revoked Bundy’s grazing rights on casino workers. Lobato made a “confession” related ing...” The truth is Ms. Lobato’s the land after he stopped paying Chagra was active as a trafficker to Duran Bailey’s homicide in Las petition for post-conviction DNA grazing fees. He also refused to in marijuana and the money he had Vegas on July 8, 2001. The truth is testing of crime scene evidence — comply with federal orders to re- was the product of his marijuana that during Ms. Lobato’s trial the including semen recovered from move his cattle from the property, business, an enterprise that sent him State didn’t assert in its opening Bailey’s rectum — was vigorously 5. Prosecutors in Las Vegas, which the federal government says to prison despite all the charitable statement, closing argument, or opposed by the Clark County D.A. Clark County, lying to get is home to federally-protected tor- gestures and financial help he of- present trial testimony she made a and denied by Judge Valorie Vega. convictions toise populations. fered to others. “confession” to Bailey’s homicide. The Nevada Supreme Court dis- It is already an accepted saying Several websites reported that According to one observer, he It exists only in Owens’ imagina- missed her appeal, “Because the we hear all the time that Las Vegas the Nevada rancher who forced the was “the undisputed marijuana tion. order is not appealable.” is a city where people come on va- federal Bureau of Land Manage- kingpin of the Western world,” but 2) Owens lied, “She was con- The foregoing is only a partial cation and leave on probation — or, ment to back down last week may many of those people who benefited victed by her own words at the trial, litany of Owens’ gross dishonesty in some cases, they do not get to have been targeted because a Chi- from Chagra’s generosity on many and her own words belie the argu- throughout his argument. It was a leave because they are confined to nese solar company with ties to Sen. occasions denied knowing the per- ment that she is actually innocent.” continuation of Owens’ dishonesty prison for a crime they may not Harry Reid’s son wants the land for son who financially helped so many The truth is there is nothing incrimi- related to Ms. Lobato’s case. have committed or participated in, an energy plant. of them. nating regarding Bailey’s homicide or even known about at all. The late Jasper Spaciale went to in her police Statement or com- And that happens because many a federal prison for loaning money ments attributed to her — none of people who come to Las Vegas do at only 2 percent interest a week to which even include the date, loca- not realize that the city is not as those who needed a quick loan un- tion, or manner of Bailey’s death friendly as it wants visitors to be- til payday because loan-sharking from a head injury. Furthermore, lieve it is. was considered a mob-related busi- Ms. Lobato’s habeas petition details Also, when a tourist gets in ness, and it was an illegal business her conviction was due to Metro trouble, that tourist is under the er- as well. Det. Thomas Thowsen’s extensive roneous assumption that the laws of Today there are legit loan sharks false testimony regarding her State- the United States, which are sup- on almost every corner in Clark ment and comments, and his alleged posed to apply to all, apply to Las County, charging as much as 39 investigations; and more than 275 Vegas, Nevada as well. In reality, percent interest; but because they unrebutted instances of prejudicial there is a different set of rules here are licensed and give a piece of the prosecutor misconduct during her because this is not the United States action to the city or the county, they trial — none of which were objected 6. Clark County’s child of America — this is the “Country 9. End of an Era: are called payday loans. to by her lawyer. welfare system is ‘broken’ of Las Vegas,” under a dictatorial Jackie Gaughan dead at 93 Today, many of our 3) Owens lied, “Shortly thereaf- The public had its first chance regime similar to a police state. If anyone qualifies for several community’s elite — those who ter [Bailey’s homicide], Kirstin Tuesday to go before a newly orga- It seems that “intent sexual as- honorable adjectives at this time, walk around with their nose high Lobato in Panaca, Nevada, started nized panel to speak out in support sault” is the charge in style nowa- that one is Jackie Gaughan, the in the air and are considered the talking about a severed penis.” The of or to recount problems they have days for men, and “child abuse” is gaming pioneer of Las Vegas who “royalty” of our community and of truth is Ms. Lobato mentioned in her encountered with the child welfare the charge for females who do not once owned a part or whole stake a caste that would not have been Statement that prior to June 20, system. There was a unified, undis- bow to the system; these are the in several casinos in the downtown seen with the likes of Chagra of 2001 she had a conversation with a puted message: The child welfare charges prosecutors use to win ev- area, not counting his pet project yesteryear — are proudly appear- woman about the Las Vegas rape system is “broken.” ery case, even if it requires lying. — The El Cortes Hotel and Casino ing before the County Commission- attempt she fended off with her The Las Vegas Tribune has car- (See Top 10 Stories, Page 5) December 31, 2014-January 6, 2015 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 5

Top Ten Stories (Continued from Page 4) fendant is not the only case on He tested positive for his Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Wal-Mart store across the street. There is the case of a young Ma- which the Supreme Court had dis- prescribed medication and returned Tuesday headline showed a recent During an emotional press rine who sat in jail for a month for agreed with the decision of Judge to court on December 6, 2012. development that echoes what the conference on Sunday afternoon, a sexual assault charge that he did Smith; Las Vegas Tribune found Photographs of Ms. Bersell under Las Vegas Tribune has been calling Sheriff Douglas Gillespie said he not know he committed; there was more than thirty cases in which the the influence with a marijuana bud for over the years: “Child Welfare could not confirm the veracity of no DNA, no evidence of any kind, Nevada Supreme Court had not tucked neatly behind one ear were Reform Sought.” The front page the statement at that time. not even an alleged victim — and been in agreement with Judge presented to the court and found to article announced that a “blue At the Wal-Mart store, the two yet he was kept in jail for four Smith, reversing the rulings. be not relevant. The request to test ribbon committee” has been suspects shot a shopper at the door months after bail had been posted. Dagmar Diaz and his mother Ms. Bersell was denied by Judge convened to look into problems and made their way to the back of There is also the case of a Florida Blanca have been in the country Nathan. The court ordered that with the Clark County child the store where allegedly the engineer who refused to agree to the little more than a decade from Keith was to “NEVER EVER drive welfare system and courts. female suspect shot her male prosecutor’s “benevolent” offer of Cuba; just a few months after the minor child anywhere until The system encompasses Child companion and then killed herself. pleading guilty and doing “only” a Dagmar was enrolled in his school, there is a further ORDER of this Haven, the emergency shelter for The citizen shopper who died few years behind bars or else be he was run over by a car in front of court.” There is no evidence that children in protective custody after during the shootout at that Wal- found guilty by a jury — that in that school on Twain and Spencer. Keith cannot care for, or that he is they are removed from situations Mart in northeast Las Vegas has most cases is manipulated by the Dagmar was in a coma for four- a danger to, Aiden; he has not even deemed abusive or neglectful; the been identified by the Clark County prosecutors; he is now facing thirty- teen days and his mother had to quit had a speeding ticket, and has no foster home placement program, Office of the Coroner/Medical five years in the Nevada State working to care for him; he was DUI. and the family court departments Examiner as Joseph Robert Wilcox, Prison. diagnosed with schizophrenia, post Should all medical patients be that oversee cases involving 31, of Las Vegas. traumatic brain damage and atten- prohibited from transporting their children with one or both parents The standoff and the tion deficit disorder (ADD) and children anywhere because in some type of dysfunctional or investigation lasted through a needed continual medical attention. something MIGHT happen, or just unhealthy living condition or substantial part of the evening, * * * * * those who have a Nevada State- embroiled in family custody while officers continued to put 3. Do parental rights extend to issued medical card? battles. pieces together to make sense of medical marijuana patients? An emailed statement about the what had occurred. committee from Public If you appear in Clark County Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn G. Information Officer Michael S. Family Court Department T, in Goodman, was the first one to Sommemeyer from the front of Judge Gayle Nathan, the comment on the shooting, stating Administrative Office of the answer is NO. Judge Nathan is “This was a senseless and cruel act Supreme Court of Nevada stated: enforcing a zero tolerance policy — killing three innocent people, “[Saitta] has asked a group of for the Defendant, Keith Patton. two who dedicated their lives to Nevada leaders to serve on a blue Judge Nathan is on a mission to protecting all of us in our ribbon committee to look into show this medical patient “how community, and one who was deficiencies in the Clark County miserable it can get” if he follows innocently going about her daily child welfare system and courts. life. At UMC Trauma and his doctor’s recommendation. The panel, which will meet over the Keith Patton suffered a severe thereafter with fellow officers, I next four months, will make saw their pain was evident and head trauma in 2003 and dealt with recommendations for county action migraines, vomiting, and sleepless clear. Their resolve was greater 4. Mother protests with and/or legislation to be passed in nights. All prescribed than ever to serve our community hunger strike in front of the the 2015 state legislative session.” pharmaceutical medications had 2. Child welfare system with loyalty, dedication, and to Regional Justice Center The committee was convened as severe side effects. He now uses reform: Real change honor the memory of their two The mother of a young man with a part of the Court Improvement medical marijuana not only to or more of same? comrades and friends. I several mental illnesses spent all Program for the Protection and alleviate the symptoms but also as All agencies may have problems immediately asked that flags at city last week in front of the Regional Permanency of Dependent preventive medicine. He is a fully of one type or another, but the Clark facilities be lowered to half staff in Justice Center on a hunger strike Children. Saitta is presiding chair. functioning honor student at ITT County agency responsible for remembrance of the officers and protesting against a court decision “Action needs to be taken Technical Institute. protecting the youngest and most the innocent woman also tragically by Judge Douglas Smith after her immediately to address these Keith moved to Las Vegas in vulnerable—the children—has for shot today.” (Previous media son finalized a plea deal where he shortcomings that are jeopardizing 2012 from Northern Virginia, 2,400 too long gone relatively unchecked reports had incorrectly identified would plead guilty to lesser charges the well-being of children in Clark miles across the United States of and uncorrected, according to the civilian victim in this incident in return for a much lower sentence. County,” said Saitta. as a woman.) America, to live closer to his son. countless family advocates, Among those chosen for the Dagmar Diaz was arrested and Former Assistant Sheriff Ted Prior to his first appearance in front families who have been committee are Las Vegas Mayor charged with kidnapping and intent Moody and Sheriff candidate is of Judge Nathan, he received a inexplicably victimized by agency Carolyn Goodman; County of sexual assault; his public de- only candidate that responded for medical recommendation from a malfunctions, and media critics — Commissioner Susan Brager; fender attorney negotiated a lower a comment on this article. Moody qualified physician, and now holds the Las Vegas Tribune at the former Assembly Speaker Barbara sentence if he admits guilt to a lesser said, “The attack yesterday was a valid Nevada State-issued forefront. Buckley, currently the executive charge. another brutal and medical card. The pages of this newspaper and Director of Legal Aid Center of Up to now, everything seemed incomprehensible act of violence to Keith appeared in Clark County programs on RadioTribune.com Southern Nevada; Nevada Health routine and business as usual with be added to a long and rapidly Family Court as the Plaintiff, Erin have been filled for years with and Services Director Amber the prosecutors and defense attor- growing list of tragic incidents Bersell, and mother of his then 3- articles covering the Division of Howell, along with Second Judicial neys playing at law with the lives gripping our nation. The loss of year-old child, Aiden, would not Child and Family Services and District Judge Deborah of the defendants. Officer Alyn Beck and Officer Igor allow him visitation. Ms. Bersell’s exposing major problems and Schumacher. However, everyone agreed to the Soldo is as shocking as it is attorneys, Andrew Kynaston and questionable rulings in several “These children deserve better, plea bargain deal and they were heartbreaking. Our prayers are with Edward Kainen, submitted an cases that came before the family and I get no sense of urgency on ready to be in Department 8 in front the families of these officers, the Instagram photo of a glass bong courts. Accounts of families and the part of the system. This of Judge Douglas Smith to seal the family of Joseph Wilcox, and with Keith had sold to a medical patient children the system not only did not committee will identify the most negotiations, but no one counted on the brave men and women of the as evidence of his “emersion in the protect, but who instead became serious issues in the child welfare the judge’s racial antagonism Las Vegas Metropolitan Police drug culture.” This “evidence” was targets of abuse and torment or system and work with [county] against Latino defendants; he did Department.” not in the pleadings, but Judge neglect, are proof that deeper officials to make sure they are not approve the deal. Las Vegas Tribune columnist Nathan allowed it to be entered and investigation into the county’s corrected quickly,” Saitta further The Public Defender appointed and former Las Vegas Metropolitan ordered Keith to test for drugs. system is warranted. stated. to the case tried to explain to the Police Department Lieutenant Keith was not allowed to speak and This week, the Nevada Supreme * * * * * judge that the young man had sev- Norm Jahn emailed his comment had not entered his prescription Court Justice Nancy Saitta and 1. Las Vegas police eral head injuries and illnesses due and said: “This stunning and into evidence prior to the hearing others have gone on record vowing mourning the death of to being run down under a car in senseless incident will do since listing medications currently to look into and correct the two ambushed officers front of his school, but Judge Smith emotional damage to everyone at in use is not on any court form and “shortcomings” and “deficiencies” Las Vegas police and the did not allow her to finish the ex- Metro and anyone who has worn a this allegation was not in the in the agency and systems community are mourning the death planation and shut her down. badge. It is unlikely that any ‘street pleadings. overseeing children’s welfare. of two of their own when two The Deputy District Attorney, officers were senselessly killed survival’ training would have made who always hides under the name while having lunch at a local pizza a difference, but Metro leadership of the elected District Attorney, was restaurant. can surge forward with support for shocked with the judge’s decision According to reports, the the families of the officers and also and tried to explain to the judge the tragedy started approximately for the larger police family.” plea agreement, but the judge told 11:30 Sunday morning when two The two officers were assigned both attorneys that he didn’t care individuals, a man and a woman, to the Northeast Area Command. and the ultimate decision was up to approached Officers Alyn Beck Beck had been employed with him and... NEXT CASE. and Igor Soldo while having lunch LVMPD since Aug. 2001. He Judge Smith is known for being at CiCi’s Pizza, ambushed them leaves behind a wife and three rude and arrogant on the bench and and took their service guns. children. Soldo had been employed has the tendency to be extremely The two suspects allegedly with LVMPD since April 2006. rude to people who speak with an yelled ‘This is a revolution’ as they He was also married and leaves accent. left the restaurant and headed to the behind both his wife and a baby. Judge Smith most recently was in the spotlight when he locked up a Hispanic man because he thought the defendant displayed an attitude while in court, and then raised the man’s bail from $3,000 to $1 mil- lion. Later the Nevada Supreme Court disagreed with Smith’s order and ordered the defendant’s bail back down to the original $3,000 and the case transferred to another courtroom. The issue with that Hispanic de- Keith Patton with his son at Lone Mountain Officers Alyn Beck (left) and Igor Soldo