Lyon County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Task Force Arrests Fernley Man on Failure to Appear Warrant

For Immediate Release
October 20, 2026

FERNLEY, NEVADA – On Oct. 19, 2026, members of the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Task Force (SOTF) arrested 39-year-old Fernley resident and registered sex offender Joel Sanchez on an outstanding felony warrant for Failure to Appear.

Sanchez was previously charged with violating Nevada's sex offender registration requirements. On Oct. 6, 2026, Sanchez failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding related to that charge. As a result, the Canal Township Justice Court issued a warrant for his arrest on Oct. 15, 2026.

Although Sanchez is currently in compliance with his sex offender registration requirements, his current compliance does not relieve him of his responsibility to answer for previous violations or comply with court orders.

Sanchez was arrested by members of the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Task Force and booked into the Lyon County Jail on the outstanding felony Failure to Appear warrant. His bail was set at $5,000.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Task Force remains committed to ensuring that convicted sex offenders residing, working, or attending school within Lyon County comply with Nevada's registration requirements. This commitment extends beyond identifying registration violations to ensuring that offenders are held accountable through the judicial process. Through proactive compliance checks, targeted enforcement efforts, and information provided by the public, the Task Force works to promote accountability and enhance public safety throughout Lyon County.

Members of the public who have information regarding a sex offender who may be out of compliance with registration requirements are encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Task Force at SOTF@lyon-county.org.

Jeffrey S. Miller
Central Commander
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office