A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer accused of participating in a commercial fraud scheme was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. Antonio Chavez faces theft, burglary, and perjury charges linked to allegations that he and his wife defrauded stores and credit card companies.
Las Vegas Police Officer Faces Fraud Scheme Charges
According to an arrest report from the Las Vegas Metroplitan Police Department, investigators allege Chavez and his wife, Claudia Guzman-Marquez, took part in a “friendly fraud” chargeback scheme between May 25 and Aug. 3, 2026. The alleged operation involved purchases made in Las Vegas and California.
Investigators say the couple used their own credit cards to buy gift cards and luxury goods. The items allegedly included Louis Vuitton handbags, Apple electronics, and designer clothing. They then disputed the transactions with their banks while keeping the merchandise, according to the report.
The investigation reportedly began after store employees became suspicious of large gift card purchases. Investigators later compared credit card records with surveillance footage, photographs, witness accounts, and other information. The evidence allegedly placed Chavez and Guzman-Marquez near locations connected to transactions they later disputed.
Alleged Credit Card Fraud Involved False Reports
The arrest report also alleges that Chavez and Guzman-Marquez falsely claimed their wallets or cards had been stolen. In one reported incident, Chavez said a fanny pack containing his credit cards was stolen while he was eating lunch. Records cited by investigators showed a purchase of more than $8,000 on one of his cards that same day.
Investigators further allege that the couple signed sworn dispute affidavits through online notarization services. The documents were allegedly used to support claims that the disputed purchases were unauthorized. Chavez also allegedly filed a false theft report with the Henderson Police Department to support the claims made to a credit card company.
The case includes allegations involving a third person in California. Chavez faces one theft charge involving between $25,000 and $100,000, four counts of burglary of a business, and one count of perjury. The wife faces related allegations, according to court reporting.
Judge Orders Electronic Monitoring Instead of Cash Bail
During Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors requested $100,000 in cash bail, a hearing to verify the source of any bail money, and house arrest. They argued that Chavez posed a concern because he is a law enforcement officer who understands the law.
The defense opposed cash bail. Chavez’s attorney pointed to his age, lack of a criminal history, lack of previous failures to appear, and ties to Nevada. The defense also said he cooperated with investigators and stressed that he is presumed innocent.
Judge Rebecca Saxe declined to require monetary bail. She described the allegations as personally offensive but noted that the charges are nonviolent. Chavez was instead ordered to electronic monitoring and restricted to Clark County while the case proceeds.
Guzman-Marquez, who is six months pregnant, also received GPS monitoring. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. Chavez remains suspended without pay as the investigation continues.
