Lyon County Sex Offender Task Force Arrests Non-Compliant Registered Sex Offender
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2026
FERNLEY, Nev. – On June 20, 2026, at approximately 7:58 a.m., members of the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Northern Command Patrol Area were conducting an investigation into an unrelated matter in the Fernley area when they contacted individuals living in a vehicle parked near the Walmart located on East Newlands Drive. During the contact, one of the investigating deputies, who is also a member of the LCSO Sex Offender Task Force, recognized one of the individuals as Matthew Ryan Villafane, a registered sex offender.
As the investigation continued, the deputy determined Villafane had been residing in multiple locations within Fernley and had failed to update his sex offender registration as required by law. Investigators also determined Villafane had failed to register the vehicle in which he was living.
The Lyon County Sex Offender Task Force's investigation revealed Villafane had last registered with the Lyon County Sheriff's Office on May 12, 2026. Since that time, he had changed his residence multiple times without properly updating his registration information within the required timeframe.
Based on the investigation, Villafane was arrested and booked on one felony count of violation of sex offender registration requirements. He was transported to the Lyon County Jail without incident.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Task Force is committed to ensuring that all registered sex offenders in Lyon County comply with their legal obligations. The Task Force conducts routine compliance checks to verify registration adherence, reinforcing its dedication to public safety. These proactive efforts play a crucial role in protecting Lyon County residents and maintaining community well-being.
The mission of the task force is to ensure 100% compliance among registered sexual offenders in Lyon County. For those who choose not to meet their legal obligations, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office will take swift and decisive action to hold them accountable.
The LCSO encourages community members to report any concerns or suspicious activity regarding sexual offender compliance. Together, law enforcement and the community can continue to promote safety and accountability throughout Lyon County.
To report information regarding out-of-compliance sexual offenders residing in Lyon County, please contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Task Force via email at SOTF@lyon-county.org.
Jeffrey S. Miller
Central Commander
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
