Union Targets Reyes with Public Display (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – A Metropolitan Police Department captain and his wife, a sergeant, filed a federal lawsuit last week accusing the police union and top department officials of defamation and retaliation after a mobile billboard branded him a “morale killer.”[1]
Union Targets Reyes with Public Display
The Las Vegas Police Protective Association launched its billboard campaign in July 2025 amid tensions over a new police contract. The truck, equipped with video screens, circled the south central area command substation near Las Vegas Boulevard and Russell Road. It displayed the captain’s photo alongside phrases such as “Do not support LVMPD’s CAPTAIN REYES” and “morale killer.”[1][2]
Union president Steve Grammas cited numerous complaints from officers, detectives, and supervisors about Capt. Landon Reyes’ leadership style. Officers reportedly felt mistreated, with issues stemming from briefings where Reyes criticized subordinates and referenced union lawsuits. Grammas described the action as necessary to prompt change, noting that Reyes later solicited feedback during a shift briefing.[3]
No formal grievances had been filed with the department at the time. The union had employed similar tactics before, including billboards protesting NFL biometric data requirements at Allegiant Stadium. Reyes, promoted months earlier to lead the south central command, faced the display as department negotiations dragged on.[2]
Post-Billboard Confrontations Escalate
Union leaders positioned themselves outside the substation entrance on the day the billboard debuted. When Reyes drove up, they recognized him, backed away, and laughed among themselves, according to the lawsuit. Officers at the scene rallied behind Reyes, even proposing a group photo in front of the truck.[1]
The truck followed Reyes to department headquarters, where public information staff instructed him and his wife, Sgt. Alejandra Zambrano, not to comment – following a directive from Undersheriff Andrew Walsh. In a subsequent meeting with Walsh, Reyes, Zambrano, and Grammas, tensions boiled over. Grammas called the billboard “just business” and hinted at more actions ahead. Walsh then allegedly berated Reyes, using expletives to call him stubborn and a waste of time.[1]
Days later, during a discussion about potential retirement, Walsh reportedly clapped and urged the couple to leave if Reyes’ conduct was the issue. Both plaintiffs remain employed but are on personal leave. The suit claims these incidents amounted to a coordinated smear.[1]
Federal Claims Center on Rights Violations
Filed Friday in federal court, the lawsuit names the union, Grammas, Sheriff Kevin McMahill, and Walsh as defendants. It alleges the billboard defamed Reyes with false statements that damaged his reputation and caused emotional distress. Department leaders enabled the campaign by prohibiting an internal affairs probe into the union and restricting Reyes’ speech.[1]
- Defamation through public labeling as a “morale killer.”
- First Amendment breaches via speech suppression and prior restraints.
- Retaliation, including revoked headquarters access.
- Emotional harm to Reyes and Zambrano, LVMPD’s former spokesperson.
Earlier friction traced back to March 2025, when Reyes addressed sexual misconduct in emails and briefings. The union had tracked complaints against him since then.[1]
Defendants Push Back on Allegations
Grammas stood by the morale complaints and denied witnessing Walsh’s outbursts. He described the billboard as protected speech under the First Amendment. Union counsel David Roger called the suit meritless, emphasizing the campaign’s role in advocating for members.[1]
Sheriff McMahill declined comment. Neither Walsh nor department spokesperson Jamie Ioos responded to inquiries. The case highlights ongoing frictions between rank-and-file officers, leadership, and union tactics in a high-stakes environment.[1]
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 billboard sparked immediate confrontations and meetings laced with hostility.
- Lawsuit seeks redress for alleged defamation and free speech curbs.
- Union frames actions as morale advocacy; plaintiffs see retaliation.
This dispute underscores deep divisions within Las Vegas law enforcement, where public displays and internal rebukes collide. As the case unfolds, it may reshape how unions and commanders navigate morale battles. What do you think about the union’s billboard strategy? Tell us in the comments.
