Former Henderson detective faces federal trial for smuggling charges

Henderson Police Officer Mitchell Wilson was indicted by a Las Vegas grand jury on charges of smuggling a foreigner into the United States. A U.S. Attorney’s Office news release confirmed the legal action against the former detective this week.

Federal prosecutors accuse Wilson of transporting an individual into the U.S. on Dec. 30, 2024. The release states that alleged communications between Wilson and the person began in October 2023. Wilson faces four federal counts for his role in the entry and subsequent concealment.

The charges include one count of encouraging and inducing illegal entry and one count of bringing an alien to the U.S. other than at a designated port. He also faces one count of transporting an illegal alien and one count of harboring an illegal alien. Prosecutors allege Wilson hid the person from law enforcement detection after they entered the country.

Sigal Chattah, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, commented on the indictment in a statement. “No one is above the law, especially those who have taken an oath to uphold it,” she stated. She added that the case represents a betrayal of public trust and the work of dedicated border officers.

Jonathan Sherwin, deputy special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas, also issued a statement. “Individuals who knowingly facilitate unlawful entry into the United States and attempt to conceal others from law enforcement undermine the integrity of our immigration system,” Sherwin said. The office aims to hold anyone who abuses their badge for personal gain fully accountable.

Wilson’s jury trial is set for Jan. 25, 2027. United States District Judge Cristina Silva will preside over the proceedings in federal court.