A high-ranking law enforcement official in Attorney General Aaron Ford’s office got caught on body camera using a homophobic slur against a Las Vegas police officer who pulled him over for using his phone while driving.
William Scott Jr., 62, is the chief of investigations for Nevada’s Attorney General’s Office. That means he pulls about $151,000 a year in taxpayer money, including retirement benefits.
Ford personally appointed Scott to this leadership position back in 2020. Now Scott’s behavior is raising serious questions about judgment, accountability, and who’s minding the store at the AG’s office.
What Happened on That August Day
On August 18, a Metro police traffic officer stopped Scott near Cheyenne Avenue and Tenaya Way. The officer saw Scott holding his phone while driving a state vehicle. Pretty straightforward violation.
Scott immediately pulled rank.
“I’m retired police captain with Metro — and I am the chief of investigations right now with AG’s Office,” he told the officer, according to body camera footage obtained by 8 News Now.
The officer wasn’t impressed. “Okay, then you know the law, then,” he replied.
Scott kept arguing. He name-dropped Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill, suggesting he’d call him to complain. When the officer went back to his motorcycle to write the ticket, Scott got out of his car. The officer had to yell at him to get back in the vehicle.
The frustrated officer said:
“Every second I spend with you tells me there’s no way you’re a retired cop,”
The Slur Heard Round Nevada
Things got worse when the officer returned with the ticket. Scott flashed his badge and kept arguing. Then he used a homophobic slur against the officer.
Scott yelled as the officer left:
“Bye, I have enough money to pay for mine, fa**ot”!
The officer’s response was measured but pointed:
“OK, very classy. I’m so glad that you’re retired and not with the department anymore.”
The Rich Irony
Here’s what makes this story even more troubling. Scott teaches classes on police ethics and preventing conflicts between officers. His LinkedIn profile says he instructs courses called “Preventing Police on Police Confrontations” and “Ethics in Leadership.” He even developed a class called “Policing with Pride.”
You can’t make this stuff up. The guy teaching other cops how to behave professionally couldn’t follow his own advice during a routine traffic stop.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This incident touches on several issues that limited-government conservatives care deeply about. First, there’s the basic question of equal treatment under the law. Scott tried to use his position and connections to get out of a ticket. That’s not how things should work in a free society. Everyone should be held to the same standard.
Second, we’re talking about government accountability. Scott works for an elected Democrat, Aaron Ford, who appointed him to a powerful position investigating public integrity, child exploitation, and elder abuse. If the chief investigator can’t conduct himself professionally during a traffic stop, what does that say about judgment at the top?
Third, there’s the salary. Scott makes $151,000 a year from taxpayers. Conservatives believe in limited government partly because we know every government employee comes with a hefty price tag. When someone earning that much shows this kind of behavior, it’s a legitimate question whether we’re getting our money’s worth.
The Official Response
The Attorney General’s Office released a carefully worded statement saying they don’t condone Scott’s conduct. They’re conducting an internal inquiry. Scott “has expressed sincere remorse and apologizes for his actions,” according to the spokesperson.
The Las Vegas Police Protective Association was less diplomatic. President Steve Grammas said the union is “appalled and frankly, disgusted” by Scott’s language.
He noted that while anyone can be upset about getting a ticket, using that kind of language toward an officer doing his job “is something that is extremely hard to comprehend.”
The Aftermath
The Las Vegas Municipal Court amended Scott’s ticket down to a parking violation. He paid a $119 fine and that was that. Whether he faces any consequences from Aaron Ford’s office remains to be seen.
What Comes Next
Conservatives who believe in accountability should watch how Ford handles this situation. Will there be real consequences for someone in a leadership position who behaved this way? Or will the “internal inquiry” quietly disappear?
Nevada voters have a right to know if the people investigating public integrity cases in their state can meet basic standards of professional conduct themselves. That’s not asking too much.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
