A senior prison official in Las Vegas has been dismissed from his post following a shocking physical confrontation at a staff Christmas party, during which he is accused of biting a colleague's ear.
Violent Altercation at Holiday Celebration
The incident occurred on December 13, 2025, at the Nevada Department of Corrections' festive gathering, held at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino. According to a police report obtained by local investigators, Manuel Portillo, the warden in charge of the Southern Desert Correctional Center, became involved in a physical altercation with another department employee.
The report states the unnamed employee told police that Portillo, who appeared intoxicated, began cursing at him and initiated a chest-bump. Portillo is alleged to have threatened the colleague, saying: "Don't call me [expletive] [expletive], I'll beat your [expletive] ass. Do you have a problem? What's up [expletive], do something."
Details of the Assault and Aftermath
The confrontation escalated further when, during the fight, Portillo allegedly grabbed the back of his colleague's neck and bit his ear. The police document also notes that Portillo grabbed his colleague's chains and threatened to take them. Security footage from the venue reportedly captured the act of battery.
The Nevada Department of Corrections confirmed to news outlets that Manuel Portillo no longer works for the department, with his employment ending on the Friday following the incident. A department spokesperson stated, "We cannot comment further on personnel matters." The owners of the Palace Station, Stations Casinos, declined to comment on the alleged fight.
Portillo's Career and Potential Charges
Portillo had a long career within the corrections system, having joined the department in 2005. His biography shows a steady rise through the ranks from correctional officer to senior correctional officer, then to sergeant and lieutenant. He also had periods overseeing the Southern Correctional Emergency Response Team. Prior to his corrections work, he served in the US Air Force, completing five deployments to locations including Kuwait, Pakistan, and Oman.
It remains unclear at this time whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the holiday party incident. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has been contacted for further comment on the potential for prosecution.
