Nevada Chief Investigator Dismissed After Using Homophobic Slur Toward Police Officer

On August 18, 2025, William Scott Jr., chief of investigations for the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, was pulled over by a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer for using his cell phone while driving a state-issued vehicle. Scott, a retired LVMPD captain appointed to his current role in 2020, immediately identified himself as a law enforcement official and attempted to leverage his position in a bid for leniency. According to body camera footage obtained by local news outlet 8NewsNow (KLAS), Scott said, “I’m retired police captain with Metro — and I am the chief of investigations right now with AG’s Office” as he handed over his badge to the officer .

The officer, unimpressed, replied, “Okay, then you know the law, then,” and proceeded to issue Scott a citation. As the encounter continued, Scott’s frustration became evident. He attempted to name-drop local law enforcement leaders and argued with the officer, behavior at odds with his leadership role and stated professional values .

The incident escalated when, upon receiving his ticket, Scott directed a homophobic slur at the officer, saying, “Bye, I have enough money to pay for mine, fa**ot,” as the officer walked away. The officer responded, “OK, very classy. I’m so glad that you’re retired and not with the department anymore,” before concluding the stop .

The officer’s measured response contrasted with Scott’s outburst, and the incident was documented in full by the officer’s body camera, later obtained through an open records request. Scott ultimately paid a $119 fine after the citation was amended to a parking violation by the Las Vegas Municipal Court .

The use of a homophobic slur by a high-ranking law enforcement official has prompted swift and widespread condemnation. The Las Vegas Police Protective Association (LVPPA) expressed outrage at Scott’s conduct. LVPPA President Steve Grammas stated, “The Las Vegas Police Protective Association (LVPPA) is appalled and frankly, disgusted, with the choice of words used by a retired LVMPD captain…using verbiage like we saw in the Body Worn Camera…is something that is extremely hard to comprehend. If he did not like the way he was treated, he could make a complaint to Internal Affairs. But holding his own personal judgement of our officer, and using language the way he did, should at minimum warrant a personal apology to our officer and potentially even an internal investigation by Attorney General Ford” .

The Nevada Attorney General’s Office was unequivocal in its response, stating, “At the outset, the does not condone Chief Scott’s conduct or comments…Accordingly, and consistent with office policy, we are conducting an internal inquiry into the matter to determine an appropriate course of action that comports with our commitment to respect and anti-discrimination. Chief Scott has expressed sincere remorse and apologizes for his actions. We will not comment further at this time” .

As of October 7, 2025, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Scott “is no longer employed” in his position as chief investigator .

The incident is particularly jarring given Scott’s professional background. Prior to his appointment as chief investigator, Scott retired from the LVMPD in 2019 and was known for teaching courses on police ethics, leadership, and community engagement. Notably, he developed and taught a class titled “Policing with Pride,” aimed at fostering professionalism and respect among law enforcement officers .

Scott’s actions, therefore, have drawn scrutiny not only for their immediate harm but also for the contradiction they represent. As someone charged with leading investigations into public integrity, child exploitation, human trafficking, and elder abuse, and as an instructor on ethical policing, Scott’s use of a homophobic slur has undermined his credibility and the standards of the office he served .

The swift dismissal of Scott has been viewed by LGBTQ+ advocates as a necessary step, but it highlights ongoing challenges within law enforcement regarding bias and discrimination. The public nature of the incident—and the fact that it was captured on official body camera footage—underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.

Advocacy organizations emphasize that such language and behavior, especially from senior officials, contribute to a culture that can endanger LGBTQ+ individuals and erode trust in law enforcement institutions. The incident has also reignited discussions about the need for comprehensive anti-bias training, robust oversight mechanisms, and a stronger commitment to inclusive workplace cultures within policing and government agencies.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including those focused on law enforcement reform, have called for continued vigilance in rooting out discrimination and ensuring that those in positions of power are held to the highest standards of conduct. The fact that Scott’s conduct violated the very principles he was tasked with upholding only heightens the urgency of these efforts .

The Nevada Attorney General’s Office has indicated that its internal review of the incident is ongoing, even after Scott’s termination. It remains to be seen whether additional policy changes or disciplinary actions will follow. Both the public and advocacy communities are likely to monitor the situation closely, pressing for accountability and transparency in the handling of cases involving discrimination or bias by public officials .

For many in Nevada and beyond, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the persistent dangers of unchecked prejudice and the responsibility of public servants to model respectful, inclusive behavior. As law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to grapple with issues of bias and discrimination, the Nevada case is a reminder that words and actions matter—especially from those in power.