LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A decide elevated bail to $500,000 money for a Las Vegas Metropolitan police sergeant charged in three separate felony circumstances Monday afternoon.
Clark County District Court docket Choose Mary Kay Holthus mentioned Kevin Menon, 43, abused belief whereas given the chance to be out on bail. If Menon have been to submit money bail of $500,000, he can be compelled to be on high-level digital monitoring.
“I don’t know that he has control over himself,” Holthus mentioned.
Menon checked out his spouse and sister-in-law, who have been in tears, as he was walked out of the courtroom in handcuffs.
Clark County Chief Deputy District Legal professional Chris Hamner and protection attorneys Robert Draskovich and Michael Horvath met within the decide’s chambers for practically two hours earlier than the courtroom listening to to evaluate proof within the case, which included alleged baby sexual abuse materials, also called baby pornography.
Menon beforehand invoked his proper to a speedy trial and pleaded not responsible to twenty-eight counts of capturing the picture of a personal space of one other particular person.
Menon put in two cameras in his house toilet, in response to Hamner. Police discovered 96 recordings of girls utilizing the restroom, Hamner mentioned. The victims, which included Menon’s spouse, Natasha Menon, and sister-in-law, Tamara Russell, have been unaware they have been being recorded, in response to Hamner.
Natasha Menon and Tamara Russell insist they don’t seem to be victims and submitted affidavits stating they have been conscious they have been being recorded.
Natasha Menon mentioned she solely discovered of her alleged sufferer standing when she noticed an area information report in regards to the case, Draskovich wrote in courtroom paperwork.
Hamner mentioned he believes they’re making an attempt to guard Menon.
Holthus mentioned she doesn’t imagine Menon’s spouse and sister-in-law knew they have been being recorded whereas utilizing the bathroom.
Hamner learn quite a few graphic phrases he mentioned Menon searched on digital units in open courtroom. They included ‘teen potty,’ ‘teen [expletive] target,’ and ‘teen toilet.’
Hamner mentioned Menon’s search phrases show he has a fetish, and argued that Menon is a hazard to the group.
“Kevin Menon has made an absolute mockery of our bail system,” Hamner mentioned as he argued for a $1 million money bail. “This is absolutely outrageous, and we are at our wits’ end.”
Draskovich referred to the presumption of innocence since Menon has not been convicted and took concern with calling a number of the photographs baby sexual abuse materials.
Holthus interjected, mentioned most of the photographs confirmed underage ladies nude with unfold legs, and referred to as it “150 percent inappropriate.”
Hamner mentioned photographs embody kids underneath the age of 10 being penetrated and compelled to carry out oral intercourse.
Draskovich additionally mentioned Menon has already posted a complete of $300,000 in bail.
Hamner addressed an indication Russell held after a earlier courtroom listening to, which said, ‘I don’t want a white savior, Hamner.’
Hamner referred to as it a “personal shot” and identified he’s half African American.
A Clark County grand jury indicted Menon after reviewing proof, which included movies of Menon showing to put in cameras. Hamner famous Menon was out of custody on bond on the time on his two ongoing felony circumstances.
In his first case, the Clark County District Legal professional’s Workplace alleged Menon abused his energy by creating pretend situations that resulted in residents, primarily Black males, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip.
Menon had been main a staff of officers on the Las Vegas Strip. Physique digicam and surveillance movies confirmed Menon wearing plain garments whereas officers have been wearing uniform.
Detectives mentioned after they seized Menon’s digital units for the investigation, they discovered baby sexual abuse materials, also called baby pornography. This resulted in a second felony case in opposition to Menon for baby pornography-related costs.
Police first arrested Menon on Aug. 30. A Clark County grand jury later indicted him for 13 costs associated to the alleged abuse of energy after which 4 felony intercourse crimes costs within the second case.
In courtroom paperwork, Menon claimed he tried to reveal racism inside the police division and is being retaliated in opposition to.
Menon stays out of custody after posting bond in all three circumstances. After his preliminary arrest, the division positioned Menon on depart with pay and suspended his police powers pending an investigation. The division has since stopped paying him.
Protection lawyer Dominic Gentile filed a movement to disqualify Clark County District Court docket Choose Ron Israel from dealing with the primary two circumstances resulting from allegations of abuse from his daughter. The decide responded that he’s unaware of any lively investigations relating to his daughter’s claims. Clark County District Court docket Choose Mark Denton scheduled a listening to for April 22; it was initially scheduled for Monday.
Holthus set a trial date of June 2 for Menon’s third felony case.
To achieve investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, electronic mail [email protected].
