The Clark County District Attorney’s Office has filed criminal charges against former Mesquite Police Chief Joseph MaQuade Chesley in the Mesquite Nevada District Court for allegedly recording a private conversation.

According to Mesquite’s Public Information Officer Jamie Stout, “Multiple victims have come forth to complain since the initial story was published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal in late 2025. Following departmental procedures that all reported potential crimes must initiate an investigation, one was conducted by the MPD and results submitted to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office for review.”

The Clark County District Attorney’s office determined there was sufficient cause to file charges against Chesley, who told the Progress, “Other agencies investigated the same incident and determined it was not a crime, so it seems strange to be brought back up again.”

The Mesquite Police Department stated in a press release, “The Mesquite Police Department remains committed to the fair administration of justice. We take all reports of criminal conduct seriously and conduct investigations with professionalism, integrity and impartiality, regardless of the individuals involved.”

Chesley has just won a $1.4 million settlement with the City of Mesquite and is still engaged in a federal lawsuit for wrongful termination. Chesley stated, “In due time, the full truth will emerge, the wrongdoers’ actions will be exposed and justice will be served.”

The MPD does seem to be plagued by lawsuits. The Mesquite Police Officers’ Association has now had a complaint filed against it with the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County. Case No. A-26-945445-B, by Andrew Thatcher, alleges that, as a member in good standing, he has not been given his right to review the association’s financial records.