Candidate for county office charged in New Year’s incident

A candidate running for public office was arrested early New Year’s Day on two firearms-related charges, police records show.

Steve Sanson Sr., 42, confirmed today he was arrested by Las Vegas police between 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Friday at the Las Vegas Hilton while at the hotel’s valet service.

Sanson said he was working as a bodyguard the previous evening and forgot he had weapons on him while he partied at several clubs at the Hilton.

According to police records, he was charged with possession of a firearm while under the influence, and aiming a firearm. Sanson disputes that he ever pointed a gun.

Sanson is a Marine Corps veteran and is running for Clark County public administrator. He said he has concealed weapons permits for both .45-caliber guns he was carrying that morning. Sanson said he had one strapped to his left ankle and one gun on his hip in a holster. He acknowledged being intoxicated when he was approached by hotel security and later arrested by police.

“Somebody must have seen the weapon on my ankle and noticed that I was intoxicated,” Sanson said. “I never aimed anything. ... It was something foolish I did and I take complete responsibility.”

Sanson said the charges he faces are misdemeanors. The police arrest log does not specify a charge category.

His son, Steve Sanson Jr., is running as a Republican for a state Senate seat.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.