FBI Arrests ‘Dirty Bondsman’ Accused of Exploiting Inmates for Trafficking and Forced Labor

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced the arrest of a notorious bounty hunter. Robert Jay Hernandez, 62, dubbed the “Dirty Bondsman,” was taken into custody in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on accusations of targeting vulnerable inmates for s– trafficking and forced labor.

Hernandez worked for Zia Bail Bonds and allegedly bonded out individuals from the Doña Ana County Detention Center. Most of these individuals struggled with substance use disorders or lacked stable housing. According to court documents, Hernandez bonded them out on the condition that they live at his personal residence.

Once there, he allegedly forced them to perform unpaid labor, including yard work, home maintenance, and assisting him with his bounty-hunting work. He has also been accused of using force, fraud, and coercion to compel victims to engage in s—-- acts.

If someone refused his orders, Hernandez allegedly threatened to return them to jail. Additionally, the complaint states that Hernandez provided victims with fentanyl to exploit their addictions. In one instance, when a victim had a burn injury, Hernandez gave them a drug, claiming it was medicine.

Hernandez allegedly began bonding people out in September 2024, and the scheme continued until April 2026. One of his victims was an undocumented immigrant who was forced to perform labor and assist in bounty hunter duties. Hernandez allegedly drugged him with fentanyl and morphine to control him.

When the victim decided to leave his residence, Hernandez reported him to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which led to his arrest. In March 2025, Hernandez allegedly targeted a female victim and coerced her into s—-- acts by threatening her return to custody.

“If you run on me, ['m going to pay $5,000 for your little tiny a--. And I'll be mad, and I'm gonna go find you. ['m gonna pull you by your hair all the way to jail. I'm gonna handcuff you so tight that you're gonna have marks for a week,” Hernandez said, according to the complaint.

In November 2025, Hernandez reportedly bonded out another female victim and forced her to sleep in his room. The victim said he introduced her to fentanyl and used the drug to extort s—-- favors from her. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Hernandez was previously convicted of a felony but still possessed several unlawful firearms.

Hernandez is now facing multiple charges, including three counts of forced labor, one count of s– trafficking by means of force, threats, fraud and coercion, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted, Hernandez could face life in prison.

Hernandez was arrested following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which sought assistance from local law enforcement agencies. Hernandez remains in custody, and his detention hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2026.