Robert Jay “RJ” Hernandez, a 62-year-old former bounty hunter from Las Cruces, has been arrested and faces multiple federal charges including sex trafficking and forced labor, according to court documents and jail records. Hernandez was previously employed by Zia Bail Bonds before his arrest on Wednesday.

Federal authorities allege Hernandez exploited three victims, whom he freed on bond from the Doña Ana County Detention Center, by forcing them to live at his residence under coercive conditions. According to the criminal complaint, Hernandez provided drugs such as fentanyl and morphine to the victims to maintain control, compelling them to engage in unpaid labor or sexual acts. The alleged offenses reportedly date back to September 2024.

Among the accused victims is a male individual facing immigration charges, identified in the complaint as "Victim 1." Prosecutors state Hernandez required him to reside at his home and assist with bounty hunting activities, supplying the individual with firearms and tactical equipment. Despite this, the male victim later reported that Hernandez offered him unwanted narcotics and subsequently notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulting in the victim’s apprehension.

Two female victims reportedly informed authorities that Hernandez pursued them while they were detained and released on bond in 2025. The women alleged that Hernandez compelled them to stay at his residence, administered fentanyl, and pressured or forced them into sexual acts while incapacitated.

A witness linked to one of the female victims said they observed multiple firearms inside Hernandez’s home, raising concerns given his 2017 Texas felony conviction for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for financial gain, which legally prohibits firearm possession.

Zia Bail Bonds declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. The public defender representing Hernandez has not responded to requests for comment. If convicted of the federal charges, Hernandez faces a potential sentence of life in prison.