A former Las Vegas police officer has pleaded guilty to aggravated stalking after investigators said he repeatedly threatened people he held responsible for his brother’s death, including one person he allegedly identified as the second name on a “death list.”
Jason De La Garrigue, 48, admitted to the charge following an investigation into a series of threatening phone calls and messages. He was previously employed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department but left the agency after his arrest.
According to the investigation, the threats escalated over time, leaving the people targeted concerned about their safety. Authorities said De La Garrigue allegedly told one person that he had a list of people he wanted to kill and had planned out the murders.
The case has drawn attention to how repeated threats can become a serious criminal matter, particularly when investigators find evidence suggesting that a person has identified specific targets.
Investigators Uncovered a Pattern of Threatening Calls
The investigation began in April after the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center received a complaint about threats allegedly made by De La Garrigue.
According to the arrest affidavit, one victim reported receiving dozens of calls from the former officer. During those conversations, De La Garrigue allegedly said the victim was “number two” on his death list.
He also reportedly claimed that he had “all of the murders mapped out,” raising concerns about the seriousness of the threats.
In one text message, De La Garrigue allegedly wrote, “I am going to smoke you.” The message reportedly included a photograph of an AR-15 rifle and loaded magazines.
A victim identified as Eric Taylor described the calls as frightening and unpredictable. He said the caller sometimes disguised his voice and contacted people during the early morning hours.
The calls reportedly came at 1 a.m., 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., with threats directed at Taylor and others.
Taylor also said he did not know De La Garrigue’s brother, making the alleged targeting especially difficult for him to understand.
His Brother’s Death Was at the Center of the Case
De La Garrigue’s attorney, David Roger, told the court that his client’s brother had experienced sexual abuse as a child and had been bullied because he was gay.
According to the defense, De La Garrigue believed certain people were responsible for the suffering his brother experienced and blamed them for his eventual suicide.
Roger said his client contacted the people he blamed, along with members of their families, while under the influence of alcohol on April 9.
The defense also told the court that De La Garrigue had since undergone treatment for alcohol abuse and mental health issues.
Roger argued that his client had not acted on the threats and had remained at home. He also said De La Garrigue sent apologies to the people he had contacted later that evening.
Those statements were presented by the defense and do not erase the concerns raised by the alleged threats or the criminal charge to which De La Garrigue pleaded guilty.
What Aggravated Stalking Means Under Nevada Law
Nevada law treats aggravated stalking as a more serious offense than ordinary stalking when threats are made with the intent to place another person in reasonable fear of death or substantial bodily harm.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes 200.575, aggravated stalking is classified as a Category B felony. The statute provides for a prison sentence of two to 15 years and allows for a fine of up to $5,000. The actual sentence depends on the court’s decision and the circumstances of the case.
The law focuses on a pattern of conduct that causes a victim to fear for their safety, combined with threats of death or substantial bodily harm.
In cases involving repeated calls, threatening messages or references to specific targets, investigators may examine the frequency of the contact, the language used and any other evidence relevant to the alleged conduct.
For people receiving threats, preserving messages, recording dates and times of unwanted contact, and reporting credible threats to law enforcement can help investigators assess what happened.
Former Officer Faces Sentencing
De La Garrigue’s guilty plea moves the case toward sentencing. A judge is scheduled to hear the matter on January 11.
His attorney previously indicated that prosecutors would not oppose probation, according to reporting on the court proceedings. The judge will ultimately determine the appropriate sentence.
The case also marks a significant change for De La Garrigue, who previously worked in law enforcement. He is no longer serving as an officer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
For the people who said they received the threats, the case has been about more than a dispute over the past. The repeated calls and messages reportedly made them fear for their safety, even though they said they had little or no connection to the officer’s brother.
The guilty plea establishes De La Garrigue’s admission to aggravated stalking. The upcoming sentencing will determine the consequences he faces under Nevada law.
