25-04-2025
Henderson police sergeant fired for use of GPS blockers, sexual harassment
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – An arbitrator has upheld a Henderson Police Department decision to fire a sergeant following an internal investigation which found he used GPS blockers on squad vehicles and inappropriately touched a female officer.
The arbitrator's decision, first obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators, detail the actions of Sgt. Anthony Sanchez-Martinez from the initial investigation to his firing and subsequent appeal by his union. The arbitrator ultimately decided he was terminated by the city for just cause.
The arbitration ruled in favor of the City of Henderson Police Department in a grievance filed by the police union, The Henderson Police Supervisors Association.
On Feb. 13, 2024, the City of Henderson Police Department Office of Internal Affairs received information that Sanchez-Martinez was having a sexual relationship with a female officer that he directly supervised, and a few days later, were informed of Sanchez-Martinez's intimate contact with at least two other female officers, according to the arbitrator.
'Three days later [Sanchez-Martinez] was placed on administrative leave with pay pending further investigation,' Richard Beens, the arbitrator, wrote, citing the internal investigation.
Following two weeks of interviews with internal affairs and a 24-page report, Sanchez-Martinez was released from department duty and required to turn in his badges and equipment.
Sanchez-Martinez was promoted to sergeant for the Henderson Police Department in Aug. 2023 and was placed in charge of a 10-person squad. According to the internal investigation's report, Sanchez-Martinez started a relationship with a female member of the squad.
Sanchez-Martinez and the female would meet multiple times in squad vehicles and use GPS blockers to conceal their locations during meetups—which included a mountain road overlooking the city and in a commercial warehouse district, according to the internal investigation's report.
'In order to ensure privacy for their clandestine meetings, [Sanchez-Martinez] purchased two GPS blockers,' Richard Beens, the arbitrator, wrote citing the internal investigation. 'A simple device that plugs into a vehicle's cigarette lighter, it electronically blocks the GPS signals emitted from the officer's computer.'
Another action highlighted by the internal investigation report occurred in Dec. 2023, an incident during a 'team building' effort at a local bar and restaurant following a Golden Knights game.
The internal investigation found Sanchez-Martinez inappropriately touched a female subordinate officer when she leaned forward—causing a gap between the back of her jeans and sweatshirt.
'Shortly after leaning forward, [female officer] felt a cold hand going down against her skin inside the back of her jeans,' Richard Beens, the arbitrator, wrote, citing the internal investigation. 'Startled, she stood up, turned to see [Sanchez-Martinez] behind her, and uttered, 'What the f— are you doing?''
The internal investigation report found Sanchez-Martinez 'just sort of laughed' in response. The female officer moved to another seat to avoid further contact. The incident was observed by another officer, according to the internal investigation. The female officer reported the incident two months after it occurred.
In June 2024, Sanchez-Martinez was given a pre-disciplinary notice and a hearing was conducted. Then Henderson Police Chief Hollie Chadwick reviewed the case and filed her findings and intent to terminate Sanchez-Martinez, according to the arbitration document.
Sanchez-Martinez formally challenged the decision made by Chadwick. A final appeal was denied by the Henderson Assistant City Manager in Aug. 2024.
8 News Now reached out to the police union's attorney for comment regarding the arbitrator's decision.
'We will be appealing the arbitrator's decision,' Andrew Regenbaum, the police union's attorney said. 'We believe he misapplied the facts and the law. We felt that the internal affairs investigation was directed improperly by leadership.'
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