Executive Summary
- Jose Menendez-Murray, 42, was arrested in Sparks after a standoff with a multi-agency task force.
- The suspect faces charges of fentanyl trafficking, sex trafficking, and failure to appear.
- Tactical resources included SWAT, K-9 units, drone operators, and the RAVEN aerial unit.
- Timothy Fagundes, 53, was also arrested during the operation on a separate warrant.
A convicted felon wanted on multiple charges, including fentanyl trafficking and sex trafficking, was apprehended Tuesday evening following a standoff at a residence in Sparks, Nevada, according to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations (HERO) Team located 42-year-old Jose Menendez-Murray at a home near the 100 block of Greenbrae Drive around 6:30 p.m. Authorities reported that the suspect initially refused to exit the premises, prompting law enforcement to establish a perimeter and obtain a search warrant.
The multi-agency operation deployed significant tactical resources, including the Sparks Police Department SWAT team, K-9 units, drone operators, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office RAVEN aerial unit. The Sex Offender Notification Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service also provided surveillance and operational assistance. Following repeated attempts by negotiators to establish communication, Menendez-Murray surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
Menendez-Murray was booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on a felony warrant for failure to appear regarding an original charge of fentanyl trafficking. Investigators stated he faces additional felony charges stemming from a HERO Team investigation, including sex trafficking, facilitating sex trafficking, and living off the earnings of a prostitute. During the same operation, officers also arrested Timothy Fagundes, 53, on an outstanding Parole and Probation warrant related to possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Investigative Outlook and Procedural Next Steps
This operation underscores the significant coordination required between local and federal agencies to apprehend high-risk fugitives allegedly involved in the intersection of narcotics distribution and human exploitation. The involvement of the HERO Team indicates a targeted law enforcement strategy aimed at dismantling complex criminal networks operating within Washoe County. As the legal process commences, the judicial system will address both the outstanding warrants and the new felony allegations. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
