On the evening of January 13, 2026, detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations (HERO) Team arrested Jose Menendez-Murray, 42, a wanted felon, following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Sparks.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., HERO detectives determined through their investigation that Menendez-Murray was located at a residence near the 100 block of Greenbrae Drive. Detectives attempted to make contact with Menendez-Murray; however, he refused to exit the residence.
A perimeter was established, and a search warrant for the property was subsequently obtained. The Sparks Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was requested to assist with the execution of the warrant. Additional responding resources included Washoe County Sheriff’s Office patrol units, K9 teams, drone operators, and RAVEN, which provided aerial overwatch. Surveillance and apprehension assistance was provided by the Sex Offender Notification Unit and U.S. Marshals.
After continued efforts to hail and establish communication with Menendez-Murray, he surrendered, exited the residence, and was taken into custody without incident.
Menendez-Murray was transported to the Washoe County Detention Facility, where he was booked on a felony warrant for failure to appear after bail related to an original charge of trafficking fentanyl, as well as felony charges of sex trafficking, facilitating sex trafficking, and living off the earnings of a prostitute stemming from a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office HERO investigation.
Additionally, Timothy Fagundes, 53, was arrested for a Parole and Probation warrant, related to an original charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
“This was a coordinated response that brought together multiple specialized resources to safely resolve a potential high-risk situation,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “I commend the diligent and persistent efforts of our HERO Team, whose work is focused on identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who exploit and traffic others. I also want to extend special thanks to our regional partners from the Sparks Police Department SWAT Team, whose support assisted in executing this mission and bringing the investigation to a safe conclusion.”
There is no ongoing threat to the community related to this incident. This remains an active investigation.
