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News Release

Baker City Man Pleads Guilty To Investment Fraud (Photo) - 06/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Baker City, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today after stealing his clients’ shares of stocks, selling them, and transferring the proceeds into his personal bank account for almost 17 years, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Jeffrey Thomas Higgins, 54, pleaded guilty to investment advisor fraud.

 

According to court documents, from December 2007 through June 2024, Higgins worked as an investment adviser in Baker City. To entice investors, Higgins lied, falsely claiming he purchased stocks on their behalf at deep discounts when he actually purchased the stocks at market value. Higgins then sold the stocks without the investors’ knowledge and stole the proceeds from the sales – transferring the money to his personal bank account.

 

To keep the scheme going, Higgins created fictitious annual statements that exaggerated profits. Statements reflecting the true costs of stock purchases were mailed directly to a post office box controlled by Higgins. As a result of Higgins’ misappropriation of shares, at least fourteen investors suffered losses totaling at least $1.6 million.

 

Higgins faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 7, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Higgins has agreed to pay over $1.6 million in restitution.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Andrew T. Ho are prosecuting the case.

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Baker City Man Pleads Guilty To Investment Fraud (Photo) - 06/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Baker City, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today after stealing his clients’ shares of stocks, selling them, and transferring the proceeds into his personal bank account for almost 17 years, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Jeffrey Thomas Higgins, 54, pleaded guilty to investment advisor fraud.

 

According to court documents, from December 2007 through June 2024, Higgins worked as an investment adviser in Baker City. To entice investors, Higgins lied, falsely claiming he purchased stocks on their behalf at deep discounts when he actually purchased the stocks at market value. Higgins then sold the stocks without the investors’ knowledge and stole the proceeds from the sales – transferring the money to his personal bank account.

 

To keep the scheme going, Higgins created fictitious annual statements that exaggerated profits. Statements reflecting the true costs of stock purchases were mailed directly to a post office box controlled by Higgins. As a result of Higgins’ misappropriation of shares, at least fourteen investors suffered losses totaling at least $1.6 million.

 

Higgins faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 7, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Higgins has agreed to pay over $1.6 million in restitution.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Andrew T. Ho are prosecuting the case.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Ontario Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Fentanyl Trafficking (Photo) - 06/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Ontario, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for transporting fentanyl from Portland to Malheur County, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Joe Luis Parras, Jr., 43, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in May 2025, High Desert Drug Task Force (HDDTF) investigators learned that Parras would be traveling from Portland to Malheur County with a supply of fentanyl. Parras was pulled over by Oregon State Police for an active warrant and arrested. Pursuant to a search warrant, HDDTF investigators searched the car and found more than 200 grams of powdered fentanyl. Investigators also seized methamphetamine and additional fentanyl on Parras during his arrest.

 

On Dec. 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Parras with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Parras pleaded guilty on March 10, 2026.

 

The HDDTF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case.

 

The HDDTF is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. HDDTF is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Oregon State Police, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. HDDTF is supported by the Ontario Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baker City Police Department, Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Nyssa Police Department, Payette Police Department, Fruitland Police Department, Payette County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Malheur County District Attorney’s Office and numerous other local and federal law enforcement partners.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the HDDTF.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Fentanyl Seized,

Ontario Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Fentanyl Trafficking (Photo) - 06/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Ontario, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for transporting fentanyl from Portland to Malheur County, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Joe Luis Parras, Jr., 43, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in May 2025, High Desert Drug Task Force (HDDTF) investigators learned that Parras would be traveling from Portland to Malheur County with a supply of fentanyl. Parras was pulled over by Oregon State Police for an active warrant and arrested. Pursuant to a search warrant, HDDTF investigators searched the car and found more than 200 grams of powdered fentanyl. Investigators also seized methamphetamine and additional fentanyl on Parras during his arrest.

 

On Dec. 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Parras with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Parras pleaded guilty on March 10, 2026.

 

The HDDTF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case.

 

The HDDTF is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. HDDTF is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Oregon State Police, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. HDDTF is supported by the Ontario Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baker City Police Department, Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Nyssa Police Department, Payette Police Department, Fruitland Police Department, Payette County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Malheur County District Attorney’s Office and numerous other local and federal law enforcement partners.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the HDDTF.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Fentanyl Seized,

New Jersey Man Sentenced To 11 Years In Federal Prison For Trafficking Fentanyl On The Dark Net (Photo) - 06/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A New Jersey man was sentenced to federal prison last Friday for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Mark T. Eager, 34, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

 

“This defendant showed a blatant disregard for human life by trafficking fentanyl across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “My office will continue to pursue those who profit from poisoning our communities, and we will use every available resource and partnership to combat fentanyl trafficking and keep Oregonians safe.”

 

“This investigation brought together law enforcement agencies from across the nation,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Homeland Security Investigations special agents from Portland, Newark, and Houston contributed to the case, along with the Portland Police Bureau and HIDTA HIT officers, who were instrumental in identifying Eager. His 11-year sentence sends a clear message: no matter where you are in the country or the world, if you attempt to sell narcotics online to Americans, we will find you.”

 

“Fentanyl trafficking poses a grave threat to communities across the United States, and Homeland Security Investigations is committed to working with our partners to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks responsible,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Lucia Cabral-DeArmas. “This case demonstrates the power of interagency collaboration under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, leveraging resources from across the country to hold traffickers accountable and protect the American people. We will continue to pursue those who endanger lives through the distribution of dangerous synthetic opioids, and we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard our communities from the violence and instability caused by transnational criminal organizations.”

 

“By following this offender’s digital trail, Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners nationwide executed federal search warrants, dismantled an active dark web fentanyl packaging operation and recovered deadly amounts of fentanyl, thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and a trove of electronic devices and packaging materials,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “This case is a powerful example of how coordinated, data-driven investigations can disrupt dangerous networks and help protect our communities from lethal synthetic opioids.”

 

According to court documents, from November 2023 through June 2024, Eager and his co-conspirator sold fentanyl on the Dark Net and Telegram. Eager operated as the vendor WRSEH10 and marketed the fentanyl as “China White Synthetic Heroin.”

 

In June 2024, HSI agents executed search warrants on two residences associated with Eager in Kearny, New Jersey, and seized over 360 grams of powdered fentanyl, counterfeit M30 pills, drug ledgers, cellular phones, two computers, and drug packaging consistent with three deliveries that were sent to Oregon.

 

On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Eager with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.

 

On February 4, 2026, Eager pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

HSI Portland and HSI Houston investigated this case with assistance from HSI Newark, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey assisted the U.S. Attorney’s in Oregon in obtaining the search warrants that were executed in Kearny.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Image Release 1, Image Release 2, Image Release 3,

New Jersey Man Sentenced To 11 Years In Federal Prison For Trafficking Fentanyl On The Dark Net (Photo) - 06/02/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A New Jersey man was sentenced to federal prison last Friday for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Mark T. Eager, 34, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

 

“This defendant showed a blatant disregard for human life by trafficking fentanyl across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “My office will continue to pursue those who profit from poisoning our communities, and we will use every available resource and partnership to combat fentanyl trafficking and keep Oregonians safe.”

 

“This investigation brought together law enforcement agencies from across the nation,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Homeland Security Investigations special agents from Portland, Newark, and Houston contributed to the case, along with the Portland Police Bureau and HIDTA HIT officers, who were instrumental in identifying Eager. His 11-year sentence sends a clear message: no matter where you are in the country or the world, if you attempt to sell narcotics online to Americans, we will find you.”

 

“Fentanyl trafficking poses a grave threat to communities across the United States, and Homeland Security Investigations is committed to working with our partners to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks responsible,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Lucia Cabral-DeArmas. “This case demonstrates the power of interagency collaboration under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, leveraging resources from across the country to hold traffickers accountable and protect the American people. We will continue to pursue those who endanger lives through the distribution of dangerous synthetic opioids, and we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard our communities from the violence and instability caused by transnational criminal organizations.”

 

“By following this offender’s digital trail, Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners nationwide executed federal search warrants, dismantled an active dark web fentanyl packaging operation and recovered deadly amounts of fentanyl, thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and a trove of electronic devices and packaging materials,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “This case is a powerful example of how coordinated, data-driven investigations can disrupt dangerous networks and help protect our communities from lethal synthetic opioids.”

 

According to court documents, from November 2023 through June 2024, Eager and his co-conspirator sold fentanyl on the Dark Net and Telegram. Eager operated as the vendor WRSEH10 and marketed the fentanyl as “China White Synthetic Heroin.”

 

In June 2024, HSI agents executed search warrants on two residences associated with Eager in Kearny, New Jersey, and seized over 360 grams of powdered fentanyl, counterfeit M30 pills, drug ledgers, cellular phones, two computers, and drug packaging consistent with three deliveries that were sent to Oregon.

 

On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Eager with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.

 

On February 4, 2026, Eager pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

HSI Portland and HSI Houston investigated this case with assistance from HSI Newark, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey assisted the U.S. Attorney’s in Oregon in obtaining the search warrants that were executed in Kearny.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Image Release 1, Image Release 2, Image Release 3,

U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes FBI Special Agent Bobby Gutierrez As The Freedom 250 Hometown Hero (Photo) - 06/01/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is proud to announce FBI Special Agent Bobby Gutierrez as the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero. The prestigious national award honors individuals whose steadfast courage, generosity, and public service embody the enduring ideals of liberty and civic responsibility.

 

The Freedom 250 initiative was created in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. It recognizes outstanding Americans who make lasting contributions to their local communities.

 

SA Gutierrez was selected as the District of Oregon’s Hometown Hero because of his leadership, collaboration, and dedication to the joint downtown fentanyl enforcement missions. For the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Portland Police Bureau have targeted fentanyl dealers in Portland, Oregon. SA Gutierrez works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat the scourge of fentanyl. He has helped coordinate dozens of investigations focused on fentanyl distributors in downtown Portland. Through his leadership, nearly 100 fentanyl distributors have been federally charged for their unlawful conduct.

 

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I am honored to present Special Agent Gutierrez as Oregon’s Hometown Hero. Special Agent Gutierrez’s dedication, selfless service, and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Two years ago, Portland had notorious open-air drug markets, rising crime, and frequent overdoses. Thanks to Special Agent Gutierrez’s efforts, dedication, and coordination with local, county, and state partners, we are reducing fentanyl trafficking, violent crime, and overdoses downtown.”

 

SA Gutierrez has proven to be a tireless investigator and steadfast partner in our efforts to restore downtown Portland to a safe and vibrant community.

 

For more information on the award and the Freedom 250 initiative, visit the Department of Justice news page or White House Freedom 250 Page. 

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Image of Hometown Hero,

U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes FBI Special Agent Bobby Gutierrez As The Freedom 250 Hometown Hero (Photo) - 06/01/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is proud to announce FBI Special Agent Bobby Gutierrez as the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero. The prestigious national award honors individuals whose steadfast courage, generosity, and public service embody the enduring ideals of liberty and civic responsibility.

 

The Freedom 250 initiative was created in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. It recognizes outstanding Americans who make lasting contributions to their local communities.

 

SA Gutierrez was selected as the District of Oregon’s Hometown Hero because of his leadership, collaboration, and dedication to the joint downtown fentanyl enforcement missions. For the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Portland Police Bureau have targeted fentanyl dealers in Portland, Oregon. SA Gutierrez works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat the scourge of fentanyl. He has helped coordinate dozens of investigations focused on fentanyl distributors in downtown Portland. Through his leadership, nearly 100 fentanyl distributors have been federally charged for their unlawful conduct.

 

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I am honored to present Special Agent Gutierrez as Oregon’s Hometown Hero. Special Agent Gutierrez’s dedication, selfless service, and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Two years ago, Portland had notorious open-air drug markets, rising crime, and frequent overdoses. Thanks to Special Agent Gutierrez’s efforts, dedication, and coordination with local, county, and state partners, we are reducing fentanyl trafficking, violent crime, and overdoses downtown.”

 

SA Gutierrez has proven to be a tireless investigator and steadfast partner in our efforts to restore downtown Portland to a safe and vibrant community.

 

For more information on the award and the Freedom 250 initiative, visit the Department of Justice news page or White House Freedom 250 Page. 

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Image of Hometown Hero,

In Celebration Of Freedom 250, The United States Attorney's Office For The District Of Oregon Contributes To Local Food Pantries (Photo) - 06/01/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, Freedom 250, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country are honoring America by spearheading gift-in-kind charity drives to benefit their local communities. In the District of Oregon, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced a charity drive in Portland, Eugene, and Medford, Oregon, where its three offices are located. Collectively, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon donated over 2,000 items to local food pantries.

 

“I am incredibly proud of our staff for coming together to support families in our local communities through this food drive,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Their generosity and commitment to service reflect the very best of public service, and I am grateful for the meaningful impact these donations will have on local food pantries and the individuals and families they serve.”

The Portland office delivered over 600 pounds of food to Neighborhood House. For more than 40 years, Neighborhood House has been providing nutritious, free food to the community of Portland and provides service to over 850 households per month.

 

 

 

The Eugene office delivered almost 500 pounds of food to Food for Lane County, equating to approximately 395 meals. Food for Lane County partners with 150 partner agencies, including 34 pantries and more than 100 supplemental food programs throughout Lane County to feed children, families, and seniors in Lane County who are experiencing food insecurity.

 

 

A couple of women with boxes of donuts in the trunk of a car AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

The Medford office delivered over 300 pounds to ACCESS, a community action agency, which, among other things, provides food to over 30 emergency food pantries throughout Jackson County to low-income families and individuals.

 

A picture containing text, indoor, cluttered AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

 

Freedom 250 is celebrated in every city, every town, every stretch of American road. You can find a celebration near you at the above hyperlink. 

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

In Celebration Of Freedom 250, The United States Attorney's Office For The District Of Oregon Contributes To Local Food Pantries (Photo) - 06/01/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, Freedom 250, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country are honoring America by spearheading gift-in-kind charity drives to benefit their local communities. In the District of Oregon, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced a charity drive in Portland, Eugene, and Medford, Oregon, where its three offices are located. Collectively, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon donated over 2,000 items to local food pantries.

 

“I am incredibly proud of our staff for coming together to support families in our local communities through this food drive,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Their generosity and commitment to service reflect the very best of public service, and I am grateful for the meaningful impact these donations will have on local food pantries and the individuals and families they serve.”

The Portland office delivered over 600 pounds of food to Neighborhood House. For more than 40 years, Neighborhood House has been providing nutritious, free food to the community of Portland and provides service to over 850 households per month.

 

 

 

The Eugene office delivered almost 500 pounds of food to Food for Lane County, equating to approximately 395 meals. Food for Lane County partners with 150 partner agencies, including 34 pantries and more than 100 supplemental food programs throughout Lane County to feed children, families, and seniors in Lane County who are experiencing food insecurity.

 

 

A couple of women with boxes of donuts in the trunk of a car AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

The Medford office delivered over 300 pounds to ACCESS, a community action agency, which, among other things, provides food to over 30 emergency food pantries throughout Jackson County to low-income families and individuals.

 

A picture containing text, indoor, cluttered AI-generated content may be incorrect. 

 

Freedom 250 is celebrated in every city, every town, every stretch of American road. You can find a celebration near you at the above hyperlink. 

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Salem Man Charged With Kidnapping And Attempted Abusive Sexual Contact, Additional Victims Sought (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Gene Arnold McLenithan, 58, of Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact in Tillamook County.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, McLenithan allegedly kidnapped the two victims around midnight on July 4, 2024, camping along a public hiking trail in Tillamook County. McLenithan bound the victims, covered their eyes, and, after a period of time passed, told victims he had planned to sexually assault them.

 

Prior to the assault, the victims did not know McLenithan.

 

McLenithan made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat is prosecuting the case.

 

If you have any reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim or have additional information about other potential crimes involving McLenithan, please contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Salem Man Charged With Kidnapping And Attempted Abusive Sexual Contact, Additional Victims Sought (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Gene Arnold McLenithan, 58, of Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact in Tillamook County.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, McLenithan allegedly kidnapped the two victims around midnight on July 4, 2024, camping along a public hiking trail in Tillamook County. McLenithan bound the victims, covered their eyes, and, after a period of time passed, told victims he had planned to sexually assault them.

 

Prior to the assault, the victims did not know McLenithan.

 

McLenithan made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat is prosecuting the case.

 

If you have any reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim or have additional information about other potential crimes involving McLenithan, please contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Coos Bay Woman Charged With Embezzlement Of Approximately $1.9 Million From Bank (Photo) - 05/28/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging a Coos Bay, Oregon, woman after she allegedly embezzled money while working as a bank manager.

 

Heather Lynn Casas, 44, has been charged with bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, from August 2024 through December 2024, Casas, while working as a bank manager for a bank in Coos Bay, stole approximately $1.9 million from the bank.

Casas made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on August 24, 2026.

 

If convicted, Casas faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

 

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

 

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Coos Bay Woman Charged With Embezzlement Of Approximately $1.9 Million From Bank (Photo) - 05/28/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging a Coos Bay, Oregon, woman after she allegedly embezzled money while working as a bank manager.

 

Heather Lynn Casas, 44, has been charged with bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, from August 2024 through December 2024, Casas, while working as a bank manager for a bank in Coos Bay, stole approximately $1.9 million from the bank.

Casas made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on August 24, 2026.

 

If convicted, Casas faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

 

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

 

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Oregon Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Conspiring To Traffic Firearms (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a firearms trafficking ring, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Freddy John Bish, 52, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in September 2025, Bish drove a vehicle with 12 firearms from Oregon to California to meet an unidentified co-conspirator in Central California who planned to take the guns to Mexico. California Highway Patrol stopped Bish and seized the weapons.

 

   A group of guns on a table AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Bish with conspiracy to traffic firearms and trafficking firearms.

 

On January 21, 2026, Bish pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sherwood Police Department, and California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case.

 

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Oregon Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Conspiring To Traffic Firearms (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a firearms trafficking ring, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Freddy John Bish, 52, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in September 2025, Bish drove a vehicle with 12 firearms from Oregon to California to meet an unidentified co-conspirator in Central California who planned to take the guns to Mexico. California Highway Patrol stopped Bish and seized the weapons.

 

   A group of guns on a table AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Bish with conspiracy to traffic firearms and trafficking firearms.

 

On January 21, 2026, Bish pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sherwood Police Department, and California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case.

 

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Troutdale Woman Sentenced To Federal Prison For Discharging 500,000 Gallons Of Pollutants In Hillsboro (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Troutdale woman was sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act by receiving and discharging 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater contaminated with hydrofluoric acid and toxic metals to the sanitary sewer without approval.

 

Kayla Hartley, 36, was sentenced to 5 months in federal prison, a $25,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, from February through September 2020, Hartley, as the Director of Operations at the Northwest Slurry Solutions and Hydro Excavation, LLC (“Northwest Slurry”) facility in Hillsboro, Oregon, marketed the company as able to accept and dispose of industrial wastewater, despite having no permit or authorization to discharge that type of waste. Under Hartley’s leadership, Northwest Slurry accepted approximately 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater containing chemical pollutants including hydrofluoric acid, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. Northwest Slurry discharged those half-a-million gallons of pollution to the Hillsboro sanitary sewer.

 

When staff from Clean Water Services, which operates the sanitary sewer system in Hillsboro, visited Northwest Slurry’s facility, Hartley attempted to conceal the fact that her company was discharging industrial wastewater.

 

On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Hartley with conspiracy to violate and violating the Clean Water Act.

 

On January 21, 2026, Hartley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from Clean Water Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Ho and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendolyn Russell prosecuted the case.

 

This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife, and hold violators accountable. If you witness an event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA’s Report a Violation website (https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Troutdale Woman Sentenced To Federal Prison For Discharging 500,000 Gallons Of Pollutants In Hillsboro (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Troutdale woman was sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act by receiving and discharging 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater contaminated with hydrofluoric acid and toxic metals to the sanitary sewer without approval.

 

Kayla Hartley, 36, was sentenced to 5 months in federal prison, a $25,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, from February through September 2020, Hartley, as the Director of Operations at the Northwest Slurry Solutions and Hydro Excavation, LLC (“Northwest Slurry”) facility in Hillsboro, Oregon, marketed the company as able to accept and dispose of industrial wastewater, despite having no permit or authorization to discharge that type of waste. Under Hartley’s leadership, Northwest Slurry accepted approximately 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater containing chemical pollutants including hydrofluoric acid, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. Northwest Slurry discharged those half-a-million gallons of pollution to the Hillsboro sanitary sewer.

 

When staff from Clean Water Services, which operates the sanitary sewer system in Hillsboro, visited Northwest Slurry’s facility, Hartley attempted to conceal the fact that her company was discharging industrial wastewater.

 

On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Hartley with conspiracy to violate and violating the Clean Water Act.

 

On January 21, 2026, Hartley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from Clean Water Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Ho and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendolyn Russell prosecuted the case.

 

This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife, and hold violators accountable. If you witness an event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA’s Report a Violation website (https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Woodburn Man Pleads Guilty To Threatening To Kill A U.S. Senator (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Woodburn, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday for threatening to kill a United States Senator.

 

Donald Leroy Smith, Jr., 51, pleaded guilty to retaliating against a federal official by threat.

 

According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Smith left a voicemail for a U.S. Senator stating he was “coming to kill you,” that “you need to be dead,” and that he was going to “put a bullet in your head.”

 

On March 19, 2026, Smith was charged by information with threatening a federal official.

 

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 26, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Smith has agreed to pay restitution in full.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from United States Capitol Police, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Woodburn Man Pleads Guilty To Threatening To Kill A U.S. Senator (Photo) - 05/28/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Woodburn, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday for threatening to kill a United States Senator.

 

Donald Leroy Smith, Jr., 51, pleaded guilty to retaliating against a federal official by threat.

 

According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Smith left a voicemail for a U.S. Senator stating he was “coming to kill you,” that “you need to be dead,” and that he was going to “put a bullet in your head.”

 

On March 19, 2026, Smith was charged by information with threatening a federal official.

 

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 26, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Smith has agreed to pay restitution in full.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from United States Capitol Police, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

A Romanian National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Defrauding Elderly Victims (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts.

 

Rexona Caldararu, 34, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2023 and continuing through the summer of 2025, Caldararu and her co-conspirators would memorize the debit card pin numbers of elderly victims as they checked out at the grocery store. Caldararu or one of her co-conspirators then followed each victim back to the parking lot, told the victim they dropped cash and insisted on helping place the cash back in their wallet while at the same time removing their debit card. Caldararu and her co-conspirators would then proceed to the victim’s bank and remove as much money as possible and sometimes also use the debit card to make purchases. Caldararu defrauded 12 victims from the District of Oregon and elsewhere and stole more than $73,500.  Caldararu had been previously arrested for similar conduct throughout the country, in the United Kingdom, and in France.

 

On Oct. 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Caldararu and her co-conspirators.  On Jan. 22, 2026, Caldararu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken prosecuted the case.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

A Romanian National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Defrauding Elderly Victims (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts.

 

Rexona Caldararu, 34, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2023 and continuing through the summer of 2025, Caldararu and her co-conspirators would memorize the debit card pin numbers of elderly victims as they checked out at the grocery store. Caldararu or one of her co-conspirators then followed each victim back to the parking lot, told the victim they dropped cash and insisted on helping place the cash back in their wallet while at the same time removing their debit card. Caldararu and her co-conspirators would then proceed to the victim’s bank and remove as much money as possible and sometimes also use the debit card to make purchases. Caldararu defrauded 12 victims from the District of Oregon and elsewhere and stole more than $73,500.  Caldararu had been previously arrested for similar conduct throughout the country, in the United Kingdom, and in France.

 

On Oct. 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Caldararu and her co-conspirators.  On Jan. 22, 2026, Caldararu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken prosecuted the case.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Six Charged With Drug Trafficking Following HSTF Investigation (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Six defendants were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

 

The six defendants below were charged by a second superseding information on April 29, 2026, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine:

  • Rafael Mora Contreras, 45, of Forest Grove, Oregon;
  • Cristina Echeverria, 42, of Forest Grove;
  • Nathalie Claire Buchanan, 28, of Bend, Oregon;
  • Charles Ottis Johnson, 37, of Bend;
  • Mariano Perez-Sanchez, 42, of Forest Grove; and
  • Dagoberto Ayala-Lopez, 38, of Hillsboro, Oregon.

According to court documents, in July 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine supplier in Forest Grove operated and run by Perez-Sanchez. Perez-Sanchez worked as a drug dispatcher and took orders from retail level distributors.

 

Johnson and Buchanan were drug trafficking partners who routinely purchased large amounts of methamphetamine in the Portland and Salem area to sell in the Bend area. On February 11, 2026, Echeverria, a courier for Perez-Sanchez, delivered a large quantity of methamphetamine to Buchanan at a hotel. Buchanan and Johnson were pulled over by police. Officers located over 4 pounds of methamphetamine in the car. Investigators reviewed text messages during the drug deal with Johnson and Buchanan showing further evidence of drug trafficking.

 

On February 17, 2026, Echeverria and Mora Contreras, driving separate cars, were both pulled over by OSP troopers after an overnight trip to California to re-supply drugs. OSP troopers located 28 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine in Echeverria’s car.

 

Ayala-Lopez worked as a drug courier for Perez-Sanchez. Ayala-Lopez’s vehicles and residence were searched pursuant to search warrant and investigators located over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

 

DEA is investigating the case with assistance from OSP and CCITF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart is prosecuting the case.

 

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, OSP, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

 

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Seizure from Echevarria Car on 2-17-26,

Six Charged With Drug Trafficking Following HSTF Investigation (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Six defendants were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

 

The six defendants below were charged by a second superseding information on April 29, 2026, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine:

  • Rafael Mora Contreras, 45, of Forest Grove, Oregon;
  • Cristina Echeverria, 42, of Forest Grove;
  • Nathalie Claire Buchanan, 28, of Bend, Oregon;
  • Charles Ottis Johnson, 37, of Bend;
  • Mariano Perez-Sanchez, 42, of Forest Grove; and
  • Dagoberto Ayala-Lopez, 38, of Hillsboro, Oregon.

According to court documents, in July 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine supplier in Forest Grove operated and run by Perez-Sanchez. Perez-Sanchez worked as a drug dispatcher and took orders from retail level distributors.

 

Johnson and Buchanan were drug trafficking partners who routinely purchased large amounts of methamphetamine in the Portland and Salem area to sell in the Bend area. On February 11, 2026, Echeverria, a courier for Perez-Sanchez, delivered a large quantity of methamphetamine to Buchanan at a hotel. Buchanan and Johnson were pulled over by police. Officers located over 4 pounds of methamphetamine in the car. Investigators reviewed text messages during the drug deal with Johnson and Buchanan showing further evidence of drug trafficking.

 

On February 17, 2026, Echeverria and Mora Contreras, driving separate cars, were both pulled over by OSP troopers after an overnight trip to California to re-supply drugs. OSP troopers located 28 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine in Echeverria’s car.

 

Ayala-Lopez worked as a drug courier for Perez-Sanchez. Ayala-Lopez’s vehicles and residence were searched pursuant to search warrant and investigators located over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

 

DEA is investigating the case with assistance from OSP and CCITF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart is prosecuting the case.

 

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, OSP, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

 

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Seizure from Echevarria Car on 2-17-26,

Romanian National Sentenced For Selling Access To Networks Of Oregon State Government Office And Other U.S. Victims (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Romanian national was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

 

“My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to disrupt and dismantle malicious cyber criminal activity and to bring cyber criminals, wherever they may be, to account for their crimes in federal court in Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford.

 

According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 46, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access on the dark web to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the United States and across the world, causing losses of at least $250,000. Dragomir operated on the dark web, using aliases to obscure his identity.

 

In November 2024, Dragomir was arrested in Romania and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

 

On February 19, 2026, Dragomir pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

 

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian Judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

 

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Romanian National Sentenced For Selling Access To Networks Of Oregon State Government Office And Other U.S. Victims (Photo) - 05/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Romanian national was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

 

“My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to disrupt and dismantle malicious cyber criminal activity and to bring cyber criminals, wherever they may be, to account for their crimes in federal court in Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford.

 

According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 46, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access on the dark web to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the United States and across the world, causing losses of at least $250,000. Dragomir operated on the dark web, using aliases to obscure his identity.

 

In November 2024, Dragomir was arrested in Romania and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

 

On February 19, 2026, Dragomir pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

 

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian Judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

 

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Lake Oswego Man Charged With Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 05/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

 

Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims.

 

Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online. Discord also reported him for distributing multiple files of CSAM in November 2025.

 

Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest.

 

Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

 

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Lake Oswego Man Charged With Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 05/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

 

Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims.

 

Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online. Discord also reported him for distributing multiple files of CSAM in November 2025.

 

Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest.

 

Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

 

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Coos Bay Man Pleads Guilty To Sexually Exploiting A Minor And Attempting To Sexually Exploit Another Minor (Photo) - 05/20/26

EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for causing a child to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempting to cause an adult to produce CSAM with his minor child, and distributing CSAM to others.

 

Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. 

 

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM.  In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. The same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in a foreign nation to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.

 

On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

Barnett faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He will be sentenced on September 1, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge. Additionally, Barnett has agreed to pay restitution to the victim and forfeit certain property. 

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

 

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Coos Bay Man Pleads Guilty To Sexually Exploiting A Minor And Attempting To Sexually Exploit Another Minor (Photo) - 05/20/26

EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for causing a child to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempting to cause an adult to produce CSAM with his minor child, and distributing CSAM to others.

 

Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. 

 

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM.  In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. The same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in a foreign nation to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.

 

On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

Barnett faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He will be sentenced on September 1, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge. Additionally, Barnett has agreed to pay restitution to the victim and forfeit certain property. 

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

 

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Two Colombian Nationals Unlawfully In The United States Plead Guilty To Interstate Burglary Conspiracy Targeting Asian American Business Owners (Photo) - 05/20/26

EUGENE, Ore.— Two Colombian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American small business owners in Oregon and Washington.

 

Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, and Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.

 

According to court documents, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators burglarized four homes belonging to victims in multiple states, including Oregon and Washington.

 

Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators traveled state to state and targeted homes for burglary by performing internet research on potential Asian American targets. They stayed in short-term rentals and identified and surveilled potential burglary victims, all Asian American small business owners, and then performed reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.

 

When they carried out the burglaries, the defendants employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and communicated on seven-way group calls. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked residences, stealing United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew returned to their short-term rental to package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.

 

Following a burglary in Salem, detectives learned that the defendants returned to their rental in Eugene and executed a search warrant at the rental that night. Investigators recovered money and property, believed to be stolen from the various residences, more than a dozen cell phones, believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. They also located commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers that were plugged in and charging following their suspected use during the burglary that day.

 

A search of their devices revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving coordinates for the houses they burglarized, surveillance communications, and shared messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days.

 

For instance, Quiroga-Solano researched Chinese restaurants two days before the burglary crew victimized a family owning a Chinese restaurant. He was in the vicinity of a victim’s home in Gresham the night before it was burglarized, which authorities believe was in preparation for the following day’s burglary. Martinez-Grandas secured short term rentals for the crew in Auburn and Eugene and mapped the address of the Salem home on the day of that burglary. Both Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano returned to the Eugene rental to package stolen property the night of the Salem burglary.

 

Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. They will be sentenced on July 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, and the Gresham Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Two Colombian Nationals Unlawfully In The United States Plead Guilty To Interstate Burglary Conspiracy Targeting Asian American Business Owners (Photo) - 05/20/26

EUGENE, Ore.— Two Colombian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American small business owners in Oregon and Washington.

 

Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, and Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.

 

According to court documents, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators burglarized four homes belonging to victims in multiple states, including Oregon and Washington.

 

Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators traveled state to state and targeted homes for burglary by performing internet research on potential Asian American targets. They stayed in short-term rentals and identified and surveilled potential burglary victims, all Asian American small business owners, and then performed reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.

 

When they carried out the burglaries, the defendants employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and communicated on seven-way group calls. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked residences, stealing United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew returned to their short-term rental to package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.

 

Following a burglary in Salem, detectives learned that the defendants returned to their rental in Eugene and executed a search warrant at the rental that night. Investigators recovered money and property, believed to be stolen from the various residences, more than a dozen cell phones, believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. They also located commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers that were plugged in and charging following their suspected use during the burglary that day.

 

A search of their devices revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving coordinates for the houses they burglarized, surveillance communications, and shared messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days.

 

For instance, Quiroga-Solano researched Chinese restaurants two days before the burglary crew victimized a family owning a Chinese restaurant. He was in the vicinity of a victim’s home in Gresham the night before it was burglarized, which authorities believe was in preparation for the following day’s burglary. Martinez-Grandas secured short term rentals for the crew in Auburn and Eugene and mapped the address of the Salem home on the day of that burglary. Both Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano returned to the Eugene rental to package stolen property the night of the Salem burglary.

 

Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. They will be sentenced on July 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, and the Gresham Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Media Advisory: U.S. Attorney, Federal, State, And Local Law Enforcement To Hold Press Conference In Eugene | Tomorrow, May 19, 2026 (Photo) - 05/18/26

The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement will hold a press conference to discuss the disruption of criminal activity targeting local Asian American business owners in the Eugene area. Please see attached media advisory for details. 

 

 

Attached Media Files: Notice of Press Conference,

Media Advisory: U.S. Attorney, Federal, State, And Local Law Enforcement To Hold Press Conference In Eugene | Tomorrow, May 19, 2026 (Photo) - 05/18/26

The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement will hold a press conference to discuss the disruption of criminal activity targeting local Asian American business owners in the Eugene area. Please see attached media advisory for details. 

 

 

Attached Media Files: Notice of Press Conference,

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford Appointed To Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (Photo) - 05/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon to serve on this Administration’s inaugural Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). Established in 1973, the AGAC is composed of 18 U.S. Attorneys from across the country, providing geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation in advising the Attorney General and senior Department of Justice leadership on national priorities and other critical issues.  

 

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and advance the Department of Justice’s priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “I look forward to working alongside my distinguished colleagues on the AGAC’s important mission and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”

 

Mr. Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

 

In 2022, Mr. Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Prior to his return to Oregon as the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

Attached Media Files: AGAC Photo, PDF Release,

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford Appointed To Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (Photo) - 05/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon to serve on this Administration’s inaugural Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). Established in 1973, the AGAC is composed of 18 U.S. Attorneys from across the country, providing geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation in advising the Attorney General and senior Department of Justice leadership on national priorities and other critical issues.  

 

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and advance the Department of Justice’s priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “I look forward to working alongside my distinguished colleagues on the AGAC’s important mission and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”

 

Mr. Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

 

In 2022, Mr. Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Prior to his return to Oregon as the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

Attached Media Files: AGAC Photo, PDF Release,

U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026 (Photo) - 05/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

 

“National Police Week is about gratitude for and remembrance of those men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and their families for their daily service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

 

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

 

The names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These names were read on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C.  

 

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org. 

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026 (Photo) - 05/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

 

“National Police Week is about gratitude for and remembrance of those men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and their families for their daily service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

 

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

 

The names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These names were read on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C.  

 

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org. 

 

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Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Guatemalan National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Traveling To Washington To Sexually Abuse A Minor (Photo) - 05/15/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for traveling hours across state lines to sexually abuse a minor victim.

 

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in February 2025, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor victim a note with cash and professed his affection for the minor. In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia sent sexually explicit messages to the minor victim and secured a hotel in Central Oregon where he sexually abused the victim. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and booked a second hotel where he again sexually abused the victim.

 

On November 18, 2025, Ramos-Garcia pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with assistance from the DEA and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Guatemalan National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Traveling To Washington To Sexually Abuse A Minor (Photo) - 05/15/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for traveling hours across state lines to sexually abuse a minor victim.

 

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in February 2025, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor victim a note with cash and professed his affection for the minor. In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia sent sexually explicit messages to the minor victim and secured a hotel in Central Oregon where he sexually abused the victim. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and booked a second hotel where he again sexually abused the victim.

 

On November 18, 2025, Ramos-Garcia pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with assistance from the DEA and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Ukrainian National Extradited From Thailand To Face Conspiracy Charges (Photo) - 05/14/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Ukrainian national was extradited from Thailand to the United States last Friday to face charges for her role in a global Ponzi and pyramid scheme.

 

Olena Oblamska, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

 

According to court documents, Oblamska and her co-conspirators advertised Forsage as a decentralized matrix project based on network marketing and “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The defendants falsely promoted Forsage to the public as a legitimate, low-risk, and lucrative investment opportunity through Forsage’s website and various social-media platforms, but, in reality, the defendants operated Forsage as a Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world.

 

Consistent with a Ponzi scheme, as soon as an investor invested in Forsage by purchasing a “slot” in a Forsage smart contract, the smart contract automatically diverted the investor’s funds to other Forsage investors, such that earlier investors were paid with funds from later investors.

 

Oblamska made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026.

 

If convicted, Oblamska faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI Portland Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, HSI New York, and HSI Bangkok are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case.

 

The Justice Department thanks its Thailand law enforcement partners, including the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand.

 

All investor victims of the Forsage scheme are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-vladimir-okhotnikov-et-al to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the ability to submit a victim impact statement.

 

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Ukrainian National Extradited From Thailand To Face Conspiracy Charges (Photo) - 05/14/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Ukrainian national was extradited from Thailand to the United States last Friday to face charges for her role in a global Ponzi and pyramid scheme.

 

Olena Oblamska, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

 

According to court documents, Oblamska and her co-conspirators advertised Forsage as a decentralized matrix project based on network marketing and “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The defendants falsely promoted Forsage to the public as a legitimate, low-risk, and lucrative investment opportunity through Forsage’s website and various social-media platforms, but, in reality, the defendants operated Forsage as a Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world.

 

Consistent with a Ponzi scheme, as soon as an investor invested in Forsage by purchasing a “slot” in a Forsage smart contract, the smart contract automatically diverted the investor’s funds to other Forsage investors, such that earlier investors were paid with funds from later investors.

 

Oblamska made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026.

 

If convicted, Oblamska faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI Portland Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, HSI New York, and HSI Bangkok are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case.

 

The Justice Department thanks its Thailand law enforcement partners, including the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand.

 

All investor victims of the Forsage scheme are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-vladimir-okhotnikov-et-al to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the ability to submit a victim impact statement.

 

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Fentanyl With Intent To Distribute (Photo) - 05/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Marvin Yahir Izaguirre-Varela, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

 

According to court documents, on February 18, 2026, a drug detection K9 alerted to the presence of drugs in Izaguirre-Varela’s bag at the entrance of the Portland train station. Law enforcement officer searched Izaguirre-Varela’s bag and found over one kilogram of fentanyl that he was transporting for the purpose of distribution in Portland.

 

On March 18, 2026, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Izaguirre-Varela with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

 

Izaguirre-Varela faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 3, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Division, and the Amtrak Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kilcup is prosecuting the case.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Fentanyl With Intent To Distribute (Photo) - 05/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Marvin Yahir Izaguirre-Varela, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

 

According to court documents, on February 18, 2026, a drug detection K9 alerted to the presence of drugs in Izaguirre-Varela’s bag at the entrance of the Portland train station. Law enforcement officer searched Izaguirre-Varela’s bag and found over one kilogram of fentanyl that he was transporting for the purpose of distribution in Portland.

 

On March 18, 2026, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Izaguirre-Varela with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

 

Izaguirre-Varela faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 3, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Division, and the Amtrak Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kilcup is prosecuting the case.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy And Unlawfully Possessing Firearms (Photo) - 05/06/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty today for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that lead to a fatal fentanyl overdose and for unlawfully possessing firearms as an illegal alien.

 

Cristhian Martinez, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alien in possession of a firearm. Pursuant to the plea agreement,  Martinez also admitted as part of the conspiracy to distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of an adult victim.

 

According to court documents, in September 2023, members of the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were called to investigate a fatal overdose in Clackamas County. While processing the scene, investigators discovered numerous counterfeit M30 Oxycodone pills believed to be manufactured with fentanyl, as well as fentanyl powder. Martinez was soon identified as the person who sold fentanyl to the deceased victim’s dealer.

 

On November 16, 2023, investigators located Martinez traveling north from California into Oregon, followed his vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop in Gladstone, Oregon. During a K-9 sweep of Martinez’s vehicle, investigators found multiple concealed packages containing more than one kilogram of compressed fentanyl:

 

 

Later the same day, investigators executed a search warrant on Martinez’s Gladstone apartment where they seized more fentanyl, a 20-ton shop press used to produce “bricks” of fentanyl powder, multiple firearms, ammunition, and other materials consistent with drug trafficking:

 

 

Martinez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, and five years of supervised release. The government will seek a sentence of 210 months’ imprisonment. Martinez will be sentenced on August 4, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI, CCITF, and Westside Interagency Narcotics team (WIN). It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

 

WIN is a Washington County-based interagency drug interdiction task force that includes members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and HSI.

 

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Image of narcotics, Image of seized firearms,

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy And Unlawfully Possessing Firearms (Photo) - 05/06/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty today for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that lead to a fatal fentanyl overdose and for unlawfully possessing firearms as an illegal alien.

 

Cristhian Martinez, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alien in possession of a firearm. Pursuant to the plea agreement,  Martinez also admitted as part of the conspiracy to distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of an adult victim.

 

According to court documents, in September 2023, members of the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were called to investigate a fatal overdose in Clackamas County. While processing the scene, investigators discovered numerous counterfeit M30 Oxycodone pills believed to be manufactured with fentanyl, as well as fentanyl powder. Martinez was soon identified as the person who sold fentanyl to the deceased victim’s dealer.

 

On November 16, 2023, investigators located Martinez traveling north from California into Oregon, followed his vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop in Gladstone, Oregon. During a K-9 sweep of Martinez’s vehicle, investigators found multiple concealed packages containing more than one kilogram of compressed fentanyl:

 

 

Later the same day, investigators executed a search warrant on Martinez’s Gladstone apartment where they seized more fentanyl, a 20-ton shop press used to produce “bricks” of fentanyl powder, multiple firearms, ammunition, and other materials consistent with drug trafficking:

 

 

Martinez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, and five years of supervised release. The government will seek a sentence of 210 months’ imprisonment. Martinez will be sentenced on August 4, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI, CCITF, and Westside Interagency Narcotics team (WIN). It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

 

WIN is a Washington County-based interagency drug interdiction task force that includes members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and HSI.

 

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Image of narcotics, Image of seized firearms,

Eugene Man Charged With Damaging Federal Property (Photo) - 05/06/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court today after allegedly destroying federal property while attempting to breach the Eugene federal building.  

 

Soren Emery Polzin, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property.

 

“The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the federal building on January 30, 2026,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest.”

 

“This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit a situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas—anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval.”

 

According to court documents, on the evening of January 30, 2026, a group of individuals, including Polzin, damaged the exterior windows and doors and attempted to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were inside. Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body.

 

Polzin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Eugene Man Charged With Damaging Federal Property (Photo) - 05/06/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court today after allegedly destroying federal property while attempting to breach the Eugene federal building.  

 

Soren Emery Polzin, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property.

 

“The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the federal building on January 30, 2026,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest.”

 

“This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit a situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas—anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval.”

 

According to court documents, on the evening of January 30, 2026, a group of individuals, including Polzin, damaged the exterior windows and doors and attempted to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were inside. Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body.

 

Polzin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Eugene Man Charged With Assault On A Federal Officer (Photo) - 05/05/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Ryan Bruce Gaither Jr., 37, with assault on a federal employee involving physical contact and aggravated assault on a federal employee causing bodily injury.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2026, Gaither spit on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Special Response Team officer and bit a second officer.

 

Gaither made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.

 

If convicted, Gaither faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Federal Protective Service is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

 

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Eugene Man Charged With Assault On A Federal Officer (Photo) - 05/05/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Ryan Bruce Gaither Jr., 37, with assault on a federal employee involving physical contact and aggravated assault on a federal employee causing bodily injury.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2026, Gaither spit on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Special Response Team officer and bit a second officer.

 

Gaither made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026.

 

If convicted, Gaither faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Federal Protective Service is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

 

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release,

Two Charged With Narcotics Trafficking At Or Near Affordable Housing Establishments (Photo) - 05/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two local methamphetamine distributors have been charged with trafficking narcotics at or near affordable housing complexes in Portland, Oregon.

 

William Andrew Fleming-Davis, 39, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and felon in possession of a firearm.

 

Edward Mortenson, 55, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

 

According to court documents, on April 25, 2026, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officers received a tip from a community member that an unknown male was dealing drugs in Southeast Portland near the Lents neighborhood. Officers stopped Fleming-Davis, who matched the description of the drug dealer, and found methamphetamine, almost $600, multiple knives, brass knuckles, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia:

 

   

 

In April 2026, Portland Police officers with the Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team/Bike Squad received a tip of narcotics trafficking at Musolf Manor, an affordable housing complex. Mortenson was seen on video dropping methamphetamine. On April 29, 2026, officers took Mortenson into custody after he was caught trafficking narcotics and seized six baggies containing methamphetamine and over $300. Officers executed a search warrant on Mortenson’s apartment and seized over 370 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and bulk money from selling narcotics:

 

    

 

Following the arrest of the defendants, officers contacted the FBI to pursue the cases federally.

 

Mortenson made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

Fleming-Davis is currently being held on prior state charges.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI and Portland Police Bureau are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the case.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Fleming-Davis Items Seized, Fleming-Davis Items Seized 1, Mortenson Cash Seized, Mortenson Narcotics Seized,

Two Charged With Narcotics Trafficking At Or Near Affordable Housing Establishments (Photo) - 05/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two local methamphetamine distributors have been charged with trafficking narcotics at or near affordable housing complexes in Portland, Oregon.

 

William Andrew Fleming-Davis, 39, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and felon in possession of a firearm.

 

Edward Mortenson, 55, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

 

According to court documents, on April 25, 2026, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officers received a tip from a community member that an unknown male was dealing drugs in Southeast Portland near the Lents neighborhood. Officers stopped Fleming-Davis, who matched the description of the drug dealer, and found methamphetamine, almost $600, multiple knives, brass knuckles, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia:

 

   

 

In April 2026, Portland Police officers with the Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team/Bike Squad received a tip of narcotics trafficking at Musolf Manor, an affordable housing complex. Mortenson was seen on video dropping methamphetamine. On April 29, 2026, officers took Mortenson into custody after he was caught trafficking narcotics and seized six baggies containing methamphetamine and over $300. Officers executed a search warrant on Mortenson’s apartment and seized over 370 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and bulk money from selling narcotics:

 

    

 

Following the arrest of the defendants, officers contacted the FBI to pursue the cases federally.

 

Mortenson made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

Fleming-Davis is currently being held on prior state charges.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

The FBI and Portland Police Bureau are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the case.

 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

# # #

Attached Media Files: PDF Release, Fleming-Davis Items Seized, Fleming-Davis Items Seized 1, Mortenson Cash Seized, Mortenson Narcotics Seized,