Phony Arrests Lead to Sentencing For Former Police Sergeant

A judge sentenced a former Metro police sergeant to at least four years in prison Monday. He is charged with orchestrating phony arrests, which mainly targeted men of color.

Former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Kevin Menon was sentenced in a case that involved orchestrating phony arrests and the possession of child pornography.

“I am not the man these charges reflect,” Menon said in court. “For any harm I have done, I beg for forgiveness.”

Under a plea agreement, Menon faced a sentence ranging from four to ten years in prison. The exact sentence handed down by the judge has not yet been publicly reported.

Menon’s downfall began when fellow officers reported his suspicious activities to the police union. From that point, officials took swift action.

An investigation revealed that Menon had been manufacturing fake scenarios to establish probable cause. He used this to stop and search individuals, primarily tourists, on the Las Vegas Strip. His elaborate schemes were designed to lead to fraudulent arrests.

Phony arrests led to investigation, child pornography

The investigation into the phony arrests led to a search of Menon’s property, where authorities discovered child pornography. The discovery added another serious dimension to the case against him.

In May 2025, Menon agreed to a plea deal to resolve the charges. It included multiple counts of oppression under color of office and possession of child pornography. As part of the agreement, he was placed on house arrest until his sentencing.

Menon was sentenced to four to 10 years in prison under the plea deal.

The case has been a significant blemish for the Las Vegas Metropolitan PD, raising questions about police misconduct and oversight. The fact that Menon’s own colleagues initiated the complaint that led to his arrest has been highlighted as a crucial element in bringing his crimes to light.

When Protectors Become Perpetrators

A phony arrest, also known as a false or wrongful arrest, is a serious form of police misconduct. It can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for its victims.

Phony arrests occur when a law enforcement officer detains an individual without legal justification, such as probable cause or a valid warrant. This abuse of power not only violates an individual’s fundamental rights but also destroys the very foundation of trust between the community and those sworn to protect it.

The consequences of a phony arrest can be far-reaching and life-altering for the victim. The loss of liberty, financial hardship, emotional and psychological trauma, damage to reputation, and an erosion of truth are all consequential factors in phony arrests.

What to do if you are the victim of a phony arrest

Remain Calm and Comply with the Officer’s Instructions: Even if you believe the arrest is unlawful, it is important to remain calm and comply with the officer’s instructions. Resisting arrest can lead to additional charges.

Do Not Answer Questions Without an Attorney Present: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Do not answer any questions until you have spoken with a lawyer.

Document Everything: As soon as you are able, write down everything you can remember about the arrest, including the date, time, location, and the names and badge numbers of the officers involved.

Seek Legal Counsel: Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in any legal proceedings.

The recent case of former police sergeant Menon serves as a stark reminder of the reality of this issue. It highlights the importance of holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring that those who abuse their power are brought to justice.