Nevada Law Enforcement Officers and Groups Call Out Aaron Ford Over Clemency Sponsorship for Convicted Killer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 07, 2026

Law Enforcement officers and groups across the state are making their voices heard about Nevada’s “top cop” and his decision to sponsor Norman Smith’s clemency application.

Law enforcement officers across Nevada are calling out Attorney General Aaron Ford for sponsoring a commutation request for Norman Smith, who was found guilty of shooting and killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child. He went so far as to sponsor his pardon, but didn't even show up to the quarterly board meeting to explain himself.

Even Democrat Nicole Cannizzaro distanced herself from Ford stating, "as a former prosecutor who took on gangs and violent crime, I disagree with the decision and would not have sponsored the clemency petition.”

The law enforcement officers and groups speaking out are raising a fundamental question about the judgment of the state’s chief law enforcement officer: Why did Aaron Ford choose to go to bat for this convicted killer? See what they have to say below:

"Playing politics with the pardons process is irresponsible and should be disqualifying for anyone seeking to be governor." - Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam

“Sponsoring the release of any convicted murderer is a decision that deserves public scrutiny and accountability.” - Lyon County Sheriff Brad Pope

“This is not about politics for me, this is about a man who swore an oath to protect people and serve his community. There is nothing routine about an attorney general personally sponsoring a commutation for the man who is responsible for the deaths of a woman and her unborn child. It demands seriousness, accountability, and respect for the family left behind. As attorney general, he should understand what that decision means to victims’ families and to law enforcement. He should answer for it.” - Storey County Sheriff Mike Cullen

As a law enforcement officer and member of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for over 20 years, I’ve seen what families endure when a violent crime takes someone they love. That’s why Aaron Ford’s decision to personally sponsor the commutation of a convicted killer’s sentence is so troubling. The victims were a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Ford owed their family, and the officers who work to bring victims justice, an explanation. He didn’t even show up to give one. This isn’t about politics. Nevada’s top law enforcement officer chose to use his office to advocate for a convicted killer, and that decision is deeply disappointing to those of us who work every day to protect victims." - Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley

“Every day, the officers represented by the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers put their lives on the line to protect victims and bring violent offenders to justice. They deserve the same commitment from Nevada’s attorney general. Instead, Aaron Ford personally sponsored a commutation for a man convicted of killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child, and he did not appear at the Pardons Board hearing to explain or defend his decision. The victim’s family deserves an answer. So do the officers who work to uphold the law and the Nevadans who entrusted Ford with enforcing it." - NAPSO Executive Director Andrew Regenbaum

"Aaron Ford and supposed “Top Cop” is one of nine people who sit on the State of Nevada’s Board of Pardons. According to media reports, Ford was the sole sponsor for Norman Smith’s Commutation Application. Who is Norman Smith you ask? He is a scumbag who brutally murdered a 20-year-old, pregnant woman. It gets worse. He did that while he was on bail for “allegedly” being a participant in a robbery crew who targeted tourists. At the time of the murder, Smith was out on bail after being charged with 19 counts, including robbery and attempted murder. What does it mean to sponsor an application? As we understand it. The application stays put till a member of the board sponsors it. Apparently, none of the other 8 members thought it appropriate to sponsor it. Maybe if you catch him in between vacations, the “Top Cop” can explain why allowing this savage an opportunity to be back in society right now would benefit anyone. Do you find it ironic that when you visit his site you do not see a single endorsement by any Nevada Law Enforcement association or credible members of law enforcement? But don’t worry. Governor Gavin Newsom says he’s good to go, so sleep better knowing that. We’ve all seen the incredible things he’s done with his state." - LVPPA

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