Latest news with #SteveWolfson
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor signs Reba's Law as DA cuts deal with one of two defendants in animal cruelty case
The law's enactment comes days after Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson cut a deal with one of the two defendants whose charges inspired the legislation. (Photo by) Gov. Joe Lombardo on Tuesday signed Reba's Law, a bill passed in response to the death of a bulldog who died of heat stroke days after she was found in a sealed tote behind a Las Vegas business last summer. Reba's Law increases the penalty for willful and malicious acts resulting in the death of an animal from the current maximum of four years in prison to six. Assembly Bill 381, sponsored by Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy of Clark County, initially sought to increase the prison term to a maximum of ten years, but was amended. The measure almost expired in the Assembly after it failed to get a hearing before an initial deadline, but was resurrected after animal advocates applied pressure to lawmakers. Lombardo's approval comes days after Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, who complained the existing maximum penalty of four years in prison wasn't adequate punishment for people who abandon animals, cut a deal with one of the two defendants. An investigation by the Current revealed Wolfson rarely seeks prison time in cases involving animals. Markeisha Foster, 30, originally charged with one count of cruelty to animals, agreed to plead guilty to a count of attempt to kill, disfigure or maim an animal of another, according to court records. She will serve seven months in jail and is expected to be released at the end of the month on time served. The other defendant, Isaac Laushaul Jr., is scheduled to stand trial this month. It's unknown if Foster is cooperating with prosecutors. 'Reba's Law strengthens our legal tools, but laws on paper are not enough without infrastructure, manpower, and training to support them,' Gina Greisen of Nevada Voters for Animals said in a news release, adding that cruelty cases often 'fall apart due to inadequate or delayed investigations, missing necropsies, and an inability to determine cause of death early—leaving prosecutors without the evidence they need to pursue charges. If there is no timely, proper, and thorough investigation on the front end of an animal cruelty complaint, there is no case.' The organization is calling on officials to support the laws with necessary resources. 'That means funding trained cruelty investigators, prioritizing forensic veterinary support, and holding agencies accountable for enforcement,' Greisen said. Another provision of Reba's Law provides criminal immunity to individuals who rescue pets left unattended in cars. Nevada law currently authorizes law enforcement or individuals to use reasonable means to protect a pet left unattended in a vehicle, and avoid civil liability. An individual rescuing a pet must ascertain the animal is in danger, notify law enforcement, take the most reasonable means to remove the pet, and remain with it until officers arrive.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
4-Year-Old Critically Injured After Escaping Home and Being Struck by SUV While Under Care of Dad's Girlfriend: Reports
A 4-year-old boy suffered "critical injuries" after being struck by an SUV on Wednesday, May 14, in Las Vegas, according to a police report The girlfriend of the child's father, who was caring for the child, has been released from jail after being arrested for alleged child abuse/neglect, according to local media outlets 'She's certainly not out of the woods as of today," Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said of Tanisha Williams, 37, per KSNVA 4-year-old boy in Las Vegas has been hospitalized after being struck by a passing vehicle while they were escaping from a residence, according to reports. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police were alerted to an incident at the intersection of West Lake Mead Boulevard and Jeanne Drive at around 6:22 p.m. local time on Wednesday, May 14, according to a police news release. After gathering witness statements and surveillance video, police concluded a 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor was approaching in the right two lanes when the child 'darted' into West Lake Mead Blvd. 'Emergency medical personnel transported the juvenile to the University Medical Center's Trauma Center with critical injuries,' per the police news release. Meanwhile, the SUV driver remained on the scene with no sign of injury. 'A couple of broken bones, which is not good, but it could have been a lot worse,' Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said, according to local outlet KSNV. 'This child could have lost his life.' Tanisha Williams, who was not the driver, was arrested amid the police's investigation and was charged with child abuse/neglect resulting in substantial bodily harm, KSNV reported. The 37-year-old has been identified as the girlfriend of the child's dad, according to Fox 5 Vegas. She was released from jail after a court appearance on Thursday, with records suggesting that prosecutors may not pursue the charges against her, according to the outlets. Williams told Fox 5 Vegas that she's 'devastated' by the incident, adding, 'He was asleep when I saw him in the room, he was lying down. So I felt like okay, I am going to sleep, and when he wakes up, I am going to just be with him, of course I wouldn't just leave him unattended.' She recalled having 'freaked out' when she realized that the toddler had escaped from the home. The property allegedly had a top lock, a bottom lock and a locked gate, Fox 5 Vegas reported. 'I haven't seen him open doors like that,' Williams told the outlet. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. An eyewitness told News 3 Las Vegas that when they saw the child on the floor outside of their home, their 'mom instinct kicked in,' they rushed to put on slippers and join others in aiding the situation. Neighbor Kevin Smith told the outlet he heard Williams yelling that she was looking for the child. After then sharing what the child who had been struck by a vehicle was wearing, she realized that it was him. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police's investigation remains ongoing. Wolfson told KSNV that Williams is 'certainly not out of the woods' despite having been released from jail. 'We didn't have the entire case file,' Wolfson told the outlet. 'Our ethical obligation requires us to only file charges if we can prove those charges in a courtroom beyond a reasonable doubt. So sometimes we need more time. That's the practical part of this situation." He added, 'The child's father is primarily responsible. It's his child he had left, but he still has primary responsibility as to who's watching over his child, and what the circumstances are." Las Vegas Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for an update on the investigation on May 20. Read the original article on People
