Henderson Councilwoman Monica Larson has filed a lawsuit against Councilwoman Carrie Cox alleging that Cox’s alleged surreptitious recording of a conversation involving Larson at City Hall in early 2025 was negligent and meant to inflict emotional distress.
The 10-page complaint filed in District Court March 12 comes as Cox awaits trial on a charge of monitoring or attempting to monitor a private conversation stemming from the same Jan. 9, 2025, exchange with Larson detailed in the complaint. Cox in her criminal case pleaded not guilty in November and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
In February, the judge in Cox’s criminal matter refused to dismiss the councilwoman’s case. Cox’s attorney in that case, Josh Tomsheck, acknowledged that Cox recorded Larson, but argued that Larson’s conversation was not private. A trial is scheduled to begin in October, according to online court records.
Cox, who is facing re-election, has sparred in court with others on the Henderson City Council. Cox was unanimously censured by the council after her indictment, and on March 4, Cox filed a lawsuit accusing Councilman Jim Seebock of hitting her multiple times because she refused to support his bid to become the city’s mayor pro tem. Seebock has denied hitting Cox.
‘Intentional and targeted,’ suit alleges
The complaint filed March 12 alleges that Cox during a retirement party for former Henderson City Manager Richard Derrick concealed herself behind a curtain for several minutes while Larson was nearby with others having a private conversation. Larson said neither she nor the other conversational participants consented to their conversation being monitored or recorded and added she had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
“Cox’s actions were intentional and targeted,” the complaint said. “They violated Nevada’s statutory prohibition against the interception and recording of private oral communications and transgressed the most basic expectations of privacy and professional integrity. Her conduct undermines the professional standards expected of elected representatives.”
When reached for comment, Cox said in a text message she was unable to comment on the lawsuit filed by Larson.
“As everyone knows, I am unable to address this issue at this time,” Cox said. “Residents deserve transparent, accessible and accountable leadership that keeps the focus on them, the taxpayers, not political noise and retaliation,” Cox said. “I work for the people of Henderson because it is about them and I intend on continuing to do just that, serving the residents while contuning to work hard to preserve our quality of life.”
Larson could not immediately be reached for comment. Larson’s attorney, Caleb Green, said when reached by phone Thursday that he does not comment on pending litigation and declined to comment further.
Larson seeking damages, other relief
Larson in the complaint noted she is the first Black woman ever elected to the Henderson City Council and alleged that was possibly a reason she was targeted by Cox.
“Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Dr. Larson became the subject of conduct that no public official, colleague, or private citizen should reasonably anticipate from another elected representative,” the complaint states. “Particularly (for) conduct involving the covert monitoring and recording of a private conversation for purposes unrelated to any legitimate governmental function.”
Larson in the complaint further argued that elected officials “must be able to communicate freely and confidentially” with constituents, colleagues and community partners and added that an elected official covertly recording a colleague undermines the integrity of the institutions they serve.
Larson is seeking a judicial declaration confirming that Cox’s conduct violated state law and the destruction or return of all recordings or other materials containing Larson’s private communications. Because of Cox’s alleged negligence and the emotional distress inflicted, Larson is seeking general, special and punitive damages in excess of $15,000.
Contact Casey Harrison at charrison@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on X, @Casey_Harrison1.
