Officer and Accomplice Waived Preliminary Hearing
A Las Vegas police officer and his co-defendant declined a preliminary court hearing regarding their theft charges.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Property Crime
Antonio Chavez, an officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Claudia Guzman-Marquez waived their right to a preliminary hearing. The two face charges of burglary and perjury.
Why it matters
The waiver of the preliminary hearing moves the case forward toward further legal proceedings. The charges involve alleged theft and perjury, placing the officer's status and professional standing in question.
Antonio Chavez and Claudia Guzman-Marquez are currently facing charges of burglary and perjury. The legal process is moving forward following the waiver of the preliminary hearing.
The players
Antonio Chavez
He is a Las Vegas police officer assigned to the Community Safety Division who has served since 2020.
Claudia Guzman-Marquez
She is a co-defendant charged alongside Antonio Chavez with burglary and perjury.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency for the Las Vegas area that employs the accused officer.
The details
Antonio Chavez and Claudia Guzman-Marquez appeared before a judge to address the burglary and perjury accusations. Chavez, who joined the department in 2020, remains suspended without pay from his role in the Northwest Area Command.
Timeline
Antonio Chavez began his employment with the police department in 2020.
The defendants appeared before a judge on October 8, 2026.
The defendants are scheduled to return to court in October 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects the broader trend of accountability for public officials under the 2023 Las Vegas police misconduct oversight reforms. Such proceedings remain a critical focal point for public trust in local law enforcement.
Residents in the Northwest Area Command may be aware of the internal staffing changes within the local police division. The suspension of the officer means he is currently not performing his normal patrol duties.
The takeaway
The waiver of a preliminary hearing significantly streamlines the initial stages of a criminal trial. It is essential for residents to track court schedules to remain informed about the resolution of cases involving public servants.
What happens next
The defendants are expected to return to court later in October 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on local legal proceedings on the Las Vegas Property Crime page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSNV.
