State Assembly candidate arrested on 9 felony counts

A candidate for state Assembly is in jail on counts of burglary, forgery and offering a false document in a case unrelated to his election bid, according to court records and his attorney.

Michael Lee McDonald is scheduled for a hearing at 8 a.m. Friday to consider bail or releasing him on his own recognizance, according to his attorney, Robert O. Kurth, who said the counts are related to a document filed in a Family Court case.

McDonald, 34, was arrested Wednesday on three felony counts each of burglary, offering false instrument to public office filing, and forgery, Las Vegas Justice Court records show.

The alleged crimes occurred in December, records show. McDonald was booked without bond at the Clark County Detention Center.

A report detailing what led to the arrest was not available this afternoon.

McDonald’s attorney said his client believes the justice system will work and McDonald will be exonerated. He said McDonald hopes the public keeps an open mind.

McDonald, a Republican, is running for Assembly District 20, which covers parts of Paradise and Henderson.

His website touts his experience in information technology and business and says he would advocate for “family and criminal law reform especially for equal parenting.”

McDonald is running against incumbent Ellen Spiegel, a Democrat, and Alexander Bacon, an independent.