Metro detective gets probation in alleged prostitute attack

A Las Vegas police detective accused in an attack on a prostitute was sentenced Thursday to three years probation.

Michael Kitchen pleaded guilty last month to attempt theft, a gross misdemeanor. That charge would be reduced to misdemeanor battery, should he complete probation.

The original charges against Kitchen — battery with intent to commit sexual assault resulting in substantial bodily harm, battery with intent to commit a crime, robbery, and attempted sexual assault — carried the possibility of life in prison.

While on probation, Kitchen must be employed full-time, complete 10 hours of community service per month, refrain from drugs or alcohol and not possess any weapons.

The victim told police that Kitchen paid her $100 for her “time and company,” and when she told him that sex would cost another $150, he became “angry and ultimately violent.” The woman was later taken to Desert Springs Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured wrist.

Kitchen initially told officers he drove a police vehicle to an apartment in the 2500 block of Flamingo Road for a massage, as advertised on a website, a police report said. He told detectives a massage at a legitimate business is too expensive.

A detective in the firearms division, Kitchen started working for Metro in September 1999. He was paid $173,836 in 2013.

Defense lawyer Josh Tomsheck said Kitchen, who had been on unpaid administrative leave from the force since his arrest, denied all the allegations. In his plea, Kitchen did not admit guilt, but acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to prove his guilt.

Contact reporter David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find him on Twitter: @randompoker