LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Henderson metropolis councilwoman deployed a private safety element to wriggle away from a information crew and drove her automotive away as a substitute of answering questions on inconsistencies in what she says publicly about her skilled pedigree.
Monica Larson, councilwoman of Henderson’s Ward 2, mentioned solely “have a good day” when peppered with questions on her occupation and public statements that she is a “clinical forensic psychologist by trade,” as she says in on-line movies from 2024 when she was operating for workplace, and “Clinical and Forensic Psychologist,” which she says on a number of social media shops.
Public document, although, lists Larson as a Psychological Affiliate in California, which is a precursor to incomes a license to follow as a psychologist. Nowhere, not in California or Nevada, is Larson listed as a licensed psychologist.
“Dr. Monica Larson completed her extensive academic studies and successfully defended her dissertation, earning her title as doctor. Dr. Monica Larson worked for years under the license of psychologist Dr. Ekerette Essien. Dr. Larson voluntarily cancelled her registration to be licensed in the state of California as she was relocating to Nevada and retired from psychology. Your attempt to invalidate Dr. Larson’s academic credentials, slander her name, and stalking her is continued harassment.”
Certainly, the 8 Information Now Investigators confirmed Larson volunteered with the California Intercourse Offender Administration Board from 2014-2015. And Essien instructed the 8 Information Now Investigators that Larson labored underneath his license and was “a star.”
Public document reveals her Psychological Affiliate registration expired in 2018. However in 2024, she instructed the hosts of two political reveals on YouTube – The Vegas Voice and The Pulse – that she is a “clinical forensic psychologist by trade.”
When the 8 Information Now Investigators tried to talk with Larson about her background, a bodyguard – for no matter purpose – interfered with the interview. Driving off after the bodyguard efficiently ran interference whereas she first leaned headfirst into her car to activate the ignition, after which when she walked round it to drive out of her parking house and go away the car parking zone, Larson answered no questions and offered no readability.
As an alternative, the interplay solely raised questions – nonetheless unanswered by the Metropolis of Henderson and by Larson – about why she has a bodyguard and who, if anybody, is paying for it. At occasions, Larson is seen with one bodyguard in tow. Different occasions, she is seen with two, most frequently at public occasions like luncheons and ribbon cuttings.
A metropolis spokeswoman, responding to questions from the 8 Information Now Investigators with regard to Larson’s safety element, mentioned: “Any security arrangements made by individual members of Council are done in their personal capacity and are not provided by the City. Inquiries regarding such arrangements should be directed to the Council member’s representative.”
That precipitated a response from Trosper, who mentioned: “Your question on the bodyguards, has been answered in your email below by the Secretary of State and the City of Henderson.”
To that finish, the Secretary of State’s workplace clarified whether or not an elected official will pay for private safety utilizing marketing campaign funds. Larson’s most up-to-date marketing campaign finance submitting, dated January 15, particulars bills from 2024, and a brand new report will not be due till April 2025.
“Nevada law doesn’t explicitly prohibit the use of campaign funds being used for a personal security detail,” The secretary’s assertion mentioned. “There may be some exceptions – for example, if a candidate was a celebrity and would need personal security regardless of their campaign for office, then payment for their standard security expenses would likely count as “private use” per NRS 294A.011. The use of campaign funds for “private use” is prohibited.”
The 8 Information Now Investigators started wanting into Larson’s previous after she beat incumbent metropolis councilman Dan Shaw in November 2024. An outsider, she mentioned in interviews that she anticipated to vary the established voting follow of the council, which often included all councilors and Mayor Michelle Romero voting collectively. Carrie Cox, councilwoman of Henderson’s Ward 3, was usually the only vote in opposition.
Shakeup on Henderson Metropolis Council may change political scene in Nevada’s second-biggest metropolis
However at her swearing in, Larson instructed a crowded assembly room that “there’s been a narrative that’s been spun that I’m in alignment with another councilwoman,” clearly referring to Cox, as she is the council’s solely different girl.
Not lengthy thereafter, the 2 sparred on the dais throughout conferences, and finally Larson seems to have cropped Cox out of – or off the tip of – group images taken throughout council conferences or ribbon cuttings.
Not lengthy thereafter, Carrie Cox and Monica Larson sparred on the dais throughout conferences, and finally Larson seems to have cropped Cox out of – or off the tip of – group images taken throughout council conferences or ribbon cuttings. (KLAS) 
Not lengthy thereafter, the 2 sparred on the dais throughout conferences, and finally Larson seems to have cropped Cox out of – or off the tip of – group images taken throughout council conferences or ribbon cuttings. (KLAS)
Town, Larson, and Trosper all refused to remark. Trosper, in certainly one of her written statements to the 8 Information Now Investigators, mentioned questions on such subjects “are not appropriate or relevant and do not impact her ability to serve her constituents as an elected official.”
In one other assertion, when requested comparable questions, Trosper wrote on behalf of Larson: “I choose not to address these irrelevant questions brought forth for political gain by others for the purpose of advancing their deceptive agenda and harming others.”
