Las Vegas Deputy Marshal Accused of Abuse of Power in Traffic Stop Incidents

Allegations Against Deputy Marshal Sergio Guzman

• 🚨 A Las Vegas Deputy City Marshal, Sergio Guzman, is accused in at least two lawsuits of abusing his power and falsely arresting citizens outside his legal jurisdiction.
• ⚖️ Both lawsuits name Guzman as a defendant, alleging he overstepped his authority, which state law defines as city-owned property like parks and public buildings.

Incident with Lance Downs Coington

• 🚗 A black male city employee, Lance Downs Coington, filed a lawsuit accusing Guzman of pulling him over for an alleged stop sign violation at 11 p.m.
• 🔫 Guzman allegedly threatened Coington with a gun and taser, slammed him to the ground, and arrested him on a charge of obstruction, which was later dismissed.
• 🤕 Coington was transported to a hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest and was left traumatized, suffering from anxiety, migraines, insomnia, and panic attacks.

Class Action Lawsuit and Derek Meyers Incident

• 👥 A previous class action lawsuit filed in March by Derek Meyers accuses the Las Vegas City Marshals of being a "rogue law enforcement agency" operating outside its authority.
• 🚗 Meyers was allegedly pulled over by Guzman and another deputy for following too closely and accused of drunk driving, leading to a 17-hour incarceration without formal charges.
• 📱 Despite body cameras, the agency has refused to release footage, but Meyers recorded parts of the arrest on his cell phone.

Systemic Issues and Lack of Accountability

• 🏢 Las Vegas city officials declined to comment on pending litigation, while a job listing for Deputy City Marshals describes their duties as enforcing regulations on city-controlled property.
• 🔍 The lawsuits claim the agency operates as a systemic rogue department, potentially constituting a conspiracy or criminal gang if liabilities are proven.
• 🗣️ Critics question the lack of criminal investigation into these alleged actions and highlight the slow pace of accountability within police departments, which often default to defending officers and their culture.