Mexican National Sentenced For Trafficking Over 70 Firearms (Photo) - 08/27/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican man who was a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration status was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking firearms, announced Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Vincente Cortes Quiroz, 37, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, investigators learned that Quiroz acquired over 120 firearms in Oregon since 2014 from licensed firearms dealers. Quiroz lied by stating he was a United States citizen on many of the firearm purchase forms. Over 70 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized from Quiroz’s residence. Two vehicles Quiroz used in his crime were also seized.

“Getting illegal firearms off the streets is a top priority. Through our collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we removed more than 70 illegal guns, making our community safer,” said Scott E. Bradford.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem Police Department, the WIN HIDTA Taskforce, the Washington County Community Violence Reduction Team (CoVRT), the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Sheridan Fire District. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz, Jessica Keefer, and Julia Jarrett.

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.

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Extradited Mexican Citizen Sentenced To Federal Prison For Conspiracy To Distribute Heroin (Photo) - 08/26/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican man was sentenced to federal prison today for drug distribution.

Abel Resendiz-Villa, 42, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. This sentencing was significantly delayed because the defendant fled to Mexico before his previous sentencing hearing, in violation of his plea agreement. He was later found in Mexico and successfully extradited to the U.S. The United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force for the District of Oregon provided critical information with its Mexico Foreign Field Office to locate and extradite Abel Resendiz-Villa.

“Resendiz-Villa tried to escape the consequences of his criminal choices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office sees their cases through. As seen in this case, even fleeing the country won’t allow drug dealers to flee consequences,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

“As was the case in this criminal investigation, drug traffickers who poison our communities with deadly fentanyl will be held accountable in a court of law. The DEA and our law enforcement partners and prosecutors remain steadfast in our commitment to keep communities safe from fentanyl by reducing demand, cutting off drug supply chains, and saving American lives,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division.

According to court documents, Resendiz-Villa trafficked meth, heroin, and counterfeit oxycodone pills into the U.S. From on or about July 26, 2020, to, on or about July 30, 2020, Resendiz-Villa smuggled drugs in the U.S. to be sold and distributed in Portland.  Resendiz-Villa was arrested on August 29, 2020, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on a motorcycle. Resendiz-Villa possessed 4.5 kilograms of heroin concealed in his motorcycle and helmet.

On July 25, 2022, Resendiz-Villa pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to distribute controlled substances. On January 6, 2023, Resendiz-Villa failed to appear for sentencing, and the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

On February 20, 2026, Resendiz-Villa was arrested by Mexican authorities on the warrant in Tijuana, Mexico. He was detained at his initial appearance after this re-arrest.

On August 20, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment on Resendiz-Villa and his co-defendants. Resendiz-Villa was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, to use a communication facility and to maintain drug-involved premises.

This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney.

The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics and fugitive task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations while locating and arresting violent fugitives and criminals. This is accomplished while using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. The task force is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police and covers the Districts of Alaska, Oregon, Eastern Washington, and Western Washington.

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 prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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Seaside Postmaster Charged With Distribution & Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 08/26/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Seaside, Oregon, Postmaster has been charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and production of obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon

Ryan Sherman, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint and made his initial appearance in federal court today.

According to court documents, Sherman was in possession of dozens of images and videos of child sexual abuse material. In addition to possessing images and videos Sheman produced obscene child sexual abuse images for people he talked to on the internet, taking innocuous photographs of children and using artificial intelligence (AI) to turn them into obscene images. Sherman exchanged child abuse material on SimpleX with other members of a chat group. When asked by an individual seeking obscene images whether he had any limit to the images he would or could create, defendant bragged that he had “none.” Sherman occupies a position of trust as the Postmaster for Seaside, Oregon.

On August 25, 2026, Sherman was arrested in Seaside, Oregon.

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

The FBI and Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, with assistance from the Seaside Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Geiling is prosecuting the case.

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.

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

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Portland Metro Area Roundtable Held On Fentanyl And Methamphetamine With HIDTA And HSTF (Photo) - 08/26/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford in partnership with the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA) and the Portland Homeland Security Taskforce hosted a roundtable with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on fentanyl and methamphetamine, the two greatest drug threats to our local communities.

At this HIDTA and HSTF roundtable, key stakeholders discussed recent successes and ways to build upon them, including increasing the arrests and prosecutions of local fentanyl and methamphetamine dealers, emphasizing overdose investigations and prosecutions, and investigating and prosecuting individuals laundering proceeds for drug traffickers and cartels. These roundtables improve coordination and efforts to combat these dangerous drugs, leading to greater results for the community. 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

This project 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 prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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Man Posing As San Francisco 49er Charged With Defrauding Over Two Dozen Women Out Of More Than $1.3 Million (Photo) - 08/25/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, have been charged by criminal complaint in Portland, Oregon.

According to court documents, beginning in February 2022, Love and Chan created fictitious investments to defraud numerous women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. Love met most of the women on the Internet through dating apps. Chan falsely posed as Love’s financial adviser to further gain their victims’ trust and demonstrate the validity of the investments.  Love and Chan solicited money from the women through lies and misrepresentations. The scheme lasted until the day of Love and Chan’s arrests on August 24, 2026.

The scheme relied on Love’s creation of fictitious personas and display of a lavish lifestyle which Love presented to victims both in person and on social media websites. Love falsely portrayed himself as legitimately wealthy, often as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real estate investor. 

Love convinced many of the victims they were in sincere romantic relationships with Love, that he was a sophisticated investor, and that Chan was his investment adviser who helped Love grow a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars. Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together. Love advertised nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed these investments would generate massive returns for both him and his victims.

Love also used phone applications to create fictitious bank and investment accounts and balances which Love showed victims to legitimize the scheme.

Love and Chan also exchanged investment-related electronic communications in which Chan pretended to be Love’s investment adviser. Chan sent Love messages purportedly encouraging Love to invest in new opportunities. Love then sent screenshots of those messages to numerous victims to further convince them to send money to either Love or Chan. Chan and Love also hosted three-way FaceTime calls in which they showed victims falsified investment gains and encouraged victims to part with their money. Victims sent Love and Chan money due to their belief that their money would be invested in legitimate investment vehicles on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money, if victims did not have cash to invest, Love sometimes instructed them to take out personal loans in both scenarios Love assured the victims that they would quickly be repaid.

Once victims had no more money to invest, or if they asked too many questions, Love blocked communication with them, but kept their money. Of the victims identified and interviewed, none reported receiving any proceeds, returns on their principle, or investment account information, after sending Love and Chan money. Financial records show Love and Chan received about $1.3 million from victim investors. 26 victims have been identified, the FBI believes there are many more victims.

Arrest warrants and a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud and were issued for both Love and Chan on August 17, 2026, in the District of Oregon. The FBI’s investigation revealed that on August 24, 2026, Chan flew from California to meet Love in Boise, Idaho. The FBI and other law enforcement apprehended both Love and Chan at the Boise Airport. Investigators learned that Love was in Idaho to meet new victims. Investigators learned that from July 15 through August 24, 2026, Love traveled to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.

Love has used several names including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love to perpetuate the scheme.

The FBI encourages anyone having information on Daejon Love or Taylor Chan to contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Both Love and Chan are in federal custody in Boise, Idaho, and will have their first court appearance on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

This case was investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Chris Cardani for the District of Oregon.

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

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, In Partnership With Federal And Local Law Enforcement, Targets Fentanyl Trafficking In Downtown Portland (Photo) - 08/25/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced in a press conference today that, over the past three years, federal charges have been brought against more than 100 defendants for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland. Those arrests included seizures of more than 40 guns.

Starting in 2023, at a time when open-air drug markets were commonplace in downtown Portland and the county and state systems were unable to hold and prosecute these street-level fentanyl dealers, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) stepped in to federally prosecute fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland.

A unique aspect of this partnership involved a dedicated team that included an FBI special agent, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, PPB’s Bike Squad, and PPB’s Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) going on late-night missions to target fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland.

As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged more than 100 defendants for selling fentanyl in downtown Portland. Of these defendants, over 80% were illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico unlawfully residing in Oregon. These cases have resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of fentanyl, 40 guns, and $1.3 million in proceeds. That is enough fentanyl to kill 50 million people, or Oregon’s population, 11 times.

After this project began additional law enforcement agencies became involved as dealers move from downtown to other areas. It has continued to be a growing partnership with local, state, and federal stakeholders in the broader Portland region. 

“Our message is simple,” U.S. Attorney Bradford said, “if you are dealing fentanyl in downtown Portland, you will be arrested, federally prosecuted, and go to federal prison.” U.S. Attorney Bradford noted, “Three years ago, downtown Portland had notorious open-air drug markets and was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Downtown fentanyl dealers, many of whom were armed, were contributing to higher crime rates and overdoses. To many people, downtown Portland simply felt unsafe – and it was. As a result of these joint efforts, we are changing that.”  U.S. Attorney Bradford emphasized, “Our coordinated and dynamic law enforcement response, with local, county, state, and federal partners, is making a difference in downtown Portland—reducing fentanyl trafficking, violent crime, and overdoses. We will continue to work with our partners to make Portland safe.”

“Our partnerships with the Portland Police Bureau, the Multnomah and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office make all of this possible," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “To anyone dealing dangerous drugs downtown: it’s not a matter of if we catch you—it's when.”

A summary of a few of these downtown fentanyl cases are listed below:

United States v. Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia, Case No. 3:23-cr-354

On December 9, 2024, Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia pled guilty to possession with the intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.

According to court documents, on or about September 28, 2023, Moreno-Mencia possessed approximately 167 grams of fentanyl for purposes of further distribution. Moreno-Mencia also possessed a firearm. 

On March 3, 2025, Moreno-Mencia was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.  

United States v. Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno, Case No. 3:23-cr-00301

On October 3, 2024, Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, Diaz-Centeno was working with others distributing fentanyl, in both powder and pills, within the greater Portland metropolitan area. On or about September 6, 2023, Diaz-Centeno and his co-defendant were arrested and a search of the vehicle they were in resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.2 kilograms of counterfeit M30 pills manufactured with fentanyl and 1 kilogram of Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for purposes of further distribution. A search of a storage unit Diaz-Centeno and co-defendant maintained resulted in the seizure of approximately 460 grams of counterfeit M30 pills manufactured with fentanyl and 2.1 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, as well as additional Super Mannitol. A search of their residence resulted in the seizure of three pistols; ammunition; and equipment for processing fentanyl for purposes of further distribution, to include vice presses, a scale, masks, Super Mannitol, and a blender.

On December 13, 2024, Diaz-Centeno was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.           

United States v. Bexon Calix-Rivera, Case No. 3:24-cr-00232

On March 12, 2025, Bexon Calix-Rivera pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, from January 2023 through to June 2024 Calix-Rivera was arrested by police on multiple occasions.

On June 4, 2024, PPB officers recognized Calix-Rivera from the encounter ten days prior. Officers observed Calix-Rivera carrying a hatchet and engaged in hand-to-hand drug transactions in downtown Portland. Officers attempted to detain Calix-Rivera, but he fled on foot. When officers apprehended Calix-Rivera, they seized fentanyl powder, a firearm, and $755 in cash. PPB officers booked Calix-Rivera in the Multnomah County Jail, and he was released the same day.

On June 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Calix-Rivera with possession of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On October 28, 2024 he made his initial appearance on the federal charges and remained in custody.

On June 5, 2025, Calix-Rivera was sentenced to 78months imprisonment, followed by 4 years supervised release. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is facing deportation back to Honduras. 

United States v. Cristian Laines-Hernandez, Case No. 3:25-cr-00405

On January 15, 2026, Cristian Laines-Hernandez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, January 18, 2025, Laines possessed to distribute 45 bags of prepackaged fentanyl which weighed approximately 339 grams. He was arrested on state charges and released from custody on January 22, 2025. On September 8, 2025, as part of a separate drug trafficking investigation, Laines was arrested by officers from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation’s Unit on federal charges. The state case was adopted for federal prosecution. The defendant was held in federal custody since the September 8, 2025, federal arrest.

On May 11, 2026, Laines was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.  

United States v. Matthew Eugene Garlock, Case No. 3:25-cr-00164

On May 27,2026, Matthew Eugene Garlock pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, beginning on or about January 19, 2025, and continuing until on or about April 4, 2025, Garlock sold fentanyl in downtown Portland. Despite multiple arrests by local law enforcement, he continued distributing fentanyl. On each occasion he was arrested his fentanyl and firearm would be seized and he would then go out and acquire additional fentanyl to sell and an additional firearm for protection. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of three pistols; ammunition; and equipment for processing fentanyl for further distribution, to include vice presses, a scale, masks, Super Mannitol, and a blender. On April 7, 2025, Garlock made his initial appearance on federal charges and was detained.

Garlock is in custody and scheduled for sentencing.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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Netarts Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing A Firearm And Ammunition As A Felon (Photo) - 08/24/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Netarts, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.

Ciedric Royce Broussard, 42, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 20, 2023, Tillamook County deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers responded to a disturbance after Broussard threatened a victim with a firearm. Broussard refused to exit the home. After a standoff in the bathroom, law enforcement officers arrested Broussard. Law enforcement officers also recovered a gun with a fully loaded 31-round magazine. In total, 108 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the residence.

Broussard was initially charged in Tillamook County and was released the following day.

On April 4, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Broussard with felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition. On December 4, 2024, Broussard pleaded guilty to both charges.

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

This case was investigated by Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart.

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Notice Of Press Conference (Photo) - 08/24/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, will hold a press conference with FBI Special Agent in Charge, Douglas Olson, and Portland Police Bureau, Chief of Police, Bob Day on August 25, 2026, in Portland.

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Jacksonville Man Sentenced To Prison For Tax And Fraud Crimes (Photo) - 08/21/26

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Jacksonville, Oregon, man was sentenced today for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Joel Matthew Caswell, 32, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the IRS.

According to documents and statements made in court, Caswell owned and operated three logging and construction businesses that employed approximately 40 employees. From 2018 through 2022, Caswell withheld employment taxes from his employees’ pay and willfully failed to pay over these taxes to the IRS. Caswell attempted to evade these and other taxes by directing customers to write checks to another company or to him personally, moving business funds and lying to IRS collection officers.

Separately, between 2022 and 2024, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes that involved submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the Small Business Administration to secure loans. For example, Caswell submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for these three logging and construction businesses. He transferred $70,000 of the proceeds from his scheme to be used as a deposit for an ultimate frisbee tournament. Caswell also used the personal identifying information of another person to obtain a residential mortgage.

On June 9, 2026, Caswell pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion, three counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell of the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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Portland Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Use Of A Firearm In Interstate Domestic Violence (Photo) - 08/20/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today for interstate domestic violence and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Carlos Miscoot, 28, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

“Domestic violence cases are incredibly serious and important to me,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “Domestic violence removes safety from the home and places victims in constant fear. Gun use significantly increases danger. This woman made clear this relationship was over, but Miscoot sought to continue to control and abuse her. We stopped that and are grateful the victim was able to seek help after this horrific crime.”

According to court documents, Miscoot abducted his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint on November 2, 2023. Miscoot and the victim had been broken up for about a year, though Miscoot continued to call, text, and show up at her home unannounced after the relationship ended. On November 2, 2023, Miscoot arranged with the victim to meet outside her home to get back some of his belongings. At her home, Miscoot pulled out a gun and forced the victim into his car. Miscoot drove her across state lines into a remote area of Washington. During the drive, he continued to point the gun at her and made threatening statements. Miscoot parked in a wooded area and raped the victim, showing and firing the gun to keep her from resisting.  After the rape, Miscoot drove the victim back to Portland while continuing to threaten her and warn her not to call the police. Miscoot returned uninvited to the victim’s home less than a week later, which resulted in his arrest.

On June 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 3-count indictment charging Miscoot with kidnapping, interstate domestic violence, and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On May 28, 2026, Miscoot pleaded guilty to interstate domestic violence and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick.

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Estacada Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Distribution Of Over 250 Pounds Of Methamphetamine (Photo) - 08/20/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Estacada, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Anthony Barrera, 31, was sentenced to 171 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release.

“We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigations to hold drug dealers accountable and stop this huge influx of deadly drugs into our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, during an investigation of an alleged drug trafficker, later identified as Barrera, investigators learned Barrera rented a vehicle and traveled to California to pick up large quantities of drugs to distribute and sell in Oregon.

On May 24, 2025, officers located Barrera driving the rental vehicle northbound on Interstate 5 and followed him to a rest area near Roseburg, Oregon, where Barrera was arrested. Agents seized 270 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of cocaine, which were concealed in the backseat and cargo area of the vehicle.

This was one of the largest drug seizures in Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit’s (MCSO SIU) history.

In addition, Barrera had $2,860 in cash and three cellphones which were seized.

After his arrest, Barrera told law enforcement that he sold drugs to sustain a living. He further admitted to traveling to Southern California to pick up drugs an estimated three times in 2025. A search of the defendant’s residence revealed a revolver and a pistol under a removable piece of flooring in the defendant’s bedroom closet, as well as four gold bars which were later determined to be counterfeit. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on supervision for a driving under the influence conviction in Multnomah County.

On May 24, 2025, Barrera was arrested in Roseburg after re-entering Oregon.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Barrera with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

On March 10, 2026, Barrera pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by MCSO SIU, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Keefer.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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Albany Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Attempting To Receive Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 08/19/26

EUGENE, Ore.— An Albany, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to receive child sexual abuse material from an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a child online.

Paul Chapple, 62, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison and a 10-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, Chapple engaged in sexual chats online with multiple people he thought were girls under the age of 15.  One of the “girls” was an undercover agent with the FBI who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. Chapple sent sexual images, discussed driving cross-country to meet, and asked for child sexual abuse images. Chapple used Meet24, with a user profile stating he was 50 years old and displaying his own photograph.

On October 8, 2025, Chapple was charged with using a minor to produce visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct, possession and receipt of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. That day, the FBI searched a shared housing complex where Chapple lived. Chapple possessed several images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material and numerous chats with self-identified minors in which he requested child sexual abuse material.  Chapple was arrested and made his first appearance in federal court on October 9, 2025.

On June 17, 2026, Chapple pleaded guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren. 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are 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 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.

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Gearhart Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Sexual Exploitation Of Children And Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 08/19/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gearhart, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Joseph Biamont, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

“This defendant violated the victim’s privacy and trust and stole the innocence of a child. My office is proud to bring these cases and hold Biamont, and criminals like him, accountable,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford, “The trauma he caused these victims is immeasurable and long lasting. The 15 year sentence will not repair the harm but will prevent him from causing more harm for a long time.”

According to court documents, Biamont surreptitiously recorded a minor victim for years. He took extraordinary steps to hide his actions and placed cameras in places where he could capture videos of the minor nude. Biamont possessed 71 videos of this victim that depict child sexual abuse material. He also possessed videos of other children’s child sexual abuse material.

On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Biamont with five counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He was arrested on those charges on May 15, 2025 in Seaside, Oregon.

On February 24, 2026, Biamont pled guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Gearhart Police Department, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez .

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.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are 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.

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Lakeside Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine (Photo) - 08/18/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Lakeside, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Bradley Vernon Mullanix, 50, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, on February 5^th Mullanix purchased two pounds of Methamphetamine from an undercover agent, believing he was a drug dealer. Mullanix paid $2,400 for the drugs and intended to sell them. Upon placing the drugs on a scale, he was arrested.

Mullanix previously illegally possessed and sold firearms in June 2024. Mullanix sold the firearms to a confidential informant. Those firearms were seized by law enforcement and will be forfeited.

On February 6, 2025, Mullanix was charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On May 14, 2026, Mullanix pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by ATF and the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh.

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Mexican National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl (Photo) - 08/14/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Eduardo Misael Garcia-Sanchez, 29, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In imposing the sentence, the court found that the defendant, based upon his prior drug dealing convictions, qualified as a career offender.

“This case showed true teamwork amongst our law enforcement agencies to bring this drug dealer to justice. I am grateful for the partnership and hard work of our law enforcement. With these brave men and women, we are able to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs in our Oregon communities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, On August 5, 2025, investigators with Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) were investigating a Portland, Oregon area drug dealer. During the investigation, a vehicle operated by Garcia-Sanchez was identified as likely supplying various drug dealers. Investigators followed Garcia-Sachez’ vehicle as it travelled out of Portland, Oregon. An Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop of Garcia-Sanchez. During the stop investigators observed a large bundle of cash and apparent heroin in the vehicle.

Investigators then placed Garcia-Sanchez in custody. Garcia-Sanchez’ vehicle contained a clear plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat containing approximately 10 individual bindles of fentanyl, which appeared pre-packaged for sale. Investigators recovered from the vehicle the approximate totals of; 120.9 grams of fentanyl powder, 51.8 grams of heroin, and $5,349 in U.S. Currency.

Following the seizure and arrest, Garcia-Sanchez was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon and placed on a federal hold for these offenses.

On May 12, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment which charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Garcia-Sanchez with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

This case was investigated by FBI and CCITF with assistance from OSP. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin.

The Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (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 comprises 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 funding from the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

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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Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Sentenced To 21 Years In Federal Prison For Distribution Of Fentanyl Resulting In Death (Photo) - 08/13/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison today for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the fatal overdose death of a Portland man and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Gomez-Soto had more than two prior deportations and a prior drug dealing conviction.

Hugo Gomez-Soto, 51, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“This case is a stark reminder of the danger fentanyl poses to our community. The defendant was peddling death, and this time it resulted in the tragic loss of a young man’s life.” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. Fentanyl is deadly and leaves devastation for families in its’ wake. As this case shows, my office will do everything we can to hold these merchants of death accountable for the destruction they cause to the community and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

“While this sentence is truly justified, no amount of prison time and no amount of restitution will bring back a lost loved one,” said Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller.  “We want to thank our Portland Police Bureau partners for their work on this case.  Together, we can make an impact against those like Mr. Gomez-Soto, who harm our communities with fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.”

According to trial testimony, Gomez-Soto sold the victim illicit fentanyl, in the form of powder and counterfeit pills. The following day the victim, a 29-year-old resident of Southwest Portland, used some of the fentanyl and died moments later.

On January 25, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer used the victim’s phone, pretending to be the victim, to buy drugs from Gomez-Soto. When Gomez-Soto arrived at the deal, he was arrested on state charges. At the time of the arrest, Gomez-Soto possessed both fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

The police referred the case to the Multnomah District Attorney’s Office who charged Gomez-Soto with negligent homicide and multiple counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 5, 2025, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review the case for federal prosecution. On May 9, 2025, with the assistance of an Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and PPB, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Gomez-Soto with the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gomez-Soto with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On April 13, 2026, after a six-day trial, a federal jury found Gomez-Soto guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the PPB Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit with assistance from HSI and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott M. Kerin and Nicole Bockelman.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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U.S. Department Of Justice Awards Over $3 Million To Oregon Communities To Improve Public Safety (Photo) - 08/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded over $3 Million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support Oregon’s state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep Oregon communities safe.

The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Across the United States nearly $290 million was awarded. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.

In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship.

In Oregon for 2025 many of our cities received grant assistance to support their work in public safety.

All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.

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Mexican National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Firearms Offenses (Photo) - 08/06/26

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Mexican National unlawfully residing in the United States, Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, pleaded guilty to alien in possession of a firearm, and making false statements in acquisition of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, in July 2025, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigators, as part of a compliance inspection, began reviewing ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Records, of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Cave Junction, Oregon. ATF Form 4473 must be completed by the person who is purchasing a firearm. During the inspection, investigators observed repeated sales of the same make and model of firearm by a group of individuals sharing the same address in O’Brien and Medford, Oregon, indicative of firearms trafficking.

On ATF Form 4473, defendants wrote “Mexico” for place of birth and checked the box next to the United States for country of citizenship. An immigration query into Melo Santos, and his co-defendants, concluded they have no legal status and are residing unlawfully in the United States.

Melo Santos told law enforcement that he bought firearms and sold them to anyone, including people who couldn’t legally buy them. Melo Santos purchased 91 firearms for $56,448 between May 2024 and July 2025 and 40,000 rounds of ammunition. One of these firearms was later found in Mexico. As part of the plea agreement, Melo Santos agreed to forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing

Melo Santos faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. Melo Santos will be sentenced on October 9, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane.

On December 18, 2025, Melo Santos, and three co-defendants made their first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Co-defendants Samuel Amador Ortega, Aldo Melo Amador, and Oscar Amador Ortega are awaiting trial.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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Iranian National Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Healthcare Fraud (Photo) - 08/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Iranian National residing in Coos Bay pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

Mehrdad Gerami, Age 67, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

According to court documents, from 2021 to the present, Gerami was the owner and operator of Coastal Diagnostic Testing Group (CDTG).  CDTG operates out of Coos Bay, Brookings, Reedsport, Florence, and Roseburg, Oregon.  He and his employees overcharged the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Veteran’s Health Administration (VA), and numerous private insurance companies for intensive, in-office sleep studies.  CDTG billed for the more expensive in-office sleep studies when more inexpensive at-home sleep studies were actually conducted. Additionally, to generate more revenue in certain offices during months of low productivity, defendant instructed staff to falsely bill for sleep studies using patient information despite the studies never occurring on those dates. Gerami oversaw all aspects of the company’s operation and conspired with and directed employees to bill fraudulently.  The estimated loss is $2,124,363.41.

On June 22, 2026, Gerami was charged by Information with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Gerami faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. 

Gerami will be sentenced on January 26, 2027, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Gerami has agreed to pay restitution in full to his victims.

This case was investigated by Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Huynh and Julia Jarrett are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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Springfield Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Distribution Of Methamphetamine (Photo) - 08/05/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Robert Eugene Josh Jr, 65, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. 25 months of the sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to a separate case.

According to court documents, in January 2024, Josh Jr. possessed almost three pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. In late January 2024, as part of a larger federal and state investigation, Eugene Police Department officers stopped Josh Jr.’s vehicle and located almost three pounds of methamphetamine. Josh Jr. told the officers he purchased the methamphetamine, was acting as a middleman, and was going to sell it to somebody else for a profit. Josh Jr. was also arrested for a shooting as part of a drug deal gone bad. Josh Jr. was convicted in Marion County Circuit Court of attempted assault I and unlawful use of a weapon. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison related to the shooting.

On May 5, 2026, Josh Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Josh Jr. with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Eugene Police Department and the Springfield Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Sweet.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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Yamhill County Photographer Sentenced To 40 Years In Federal Prison For Production Of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 08/05/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Carlton, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for 8 counts of production of child sexual abuse material announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Robert Koester, 59, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release.

“Koester’s crimes against children are among the worst this district has seen. His violent abuse of these girls created scars they will carry their entire lives, and the images of that abuse will haunt them. I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice and healing for the victims. I am grateful for the work of the many investigative agencies that worked tirelessly to bring this terror against these teens to an end. The sentence of 40 years provides safety to Oregon and California and is emblematic of the violent crimes he committed,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Today’s sentence underscores how seriously the FBI and our partners take crimes against children,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Koester used his role as a photographer to gain the trust of young people who were simply looking for a chance to pursue their dreams, and he exploited that trust. The courage these victims showed in coming forward made this outcome possible, and we stand with them as they continue to heal. We’re grateful for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in bringing this case to the finish line. What happened here caused real harm, and there is no place for this behavior in our community.”

According to court documents, Koester used his professional position as a photographer to meet and earn the trust of teenage girls who were pursuing careers in modeling. He exploited that trust by drugging, molesting, strangling, and raping the victims. He recorded much of this abuse and sold the child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to others.

Koester was a professional photographer who took photographs of aspiring models and did photography work for modeling agencies. Over the course of four years, from early 2015 through late 2018, Koester lured numerous teenage girls to his residence and other locations across California and Oregon. He enticed the girls with the promise of a career in the fashion industry through his modeling agency, Frank Model Management. He encouraged them to travel to his residence in Oregon, even paying for their flights. The children would stay in his residence for multiple days and participate in photo shoots.

During this time, Koester offered the victims alcohol and drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. He coerced them to do nude photo shoots by first showing them images of naked models, then convincing them to remove their clothes. He photographed the victims in revealing positions, sometimes using hidden cameras to capture more explicit angles without the victims’ knowledge. Koester further used GHB and other intoxicants to drug the girls, rendering them unconscious. He then abused the unconscious children sexually and physically and recorded the assaults. Koester often became violent in these assaults, strangling and slapping the girls. After the drugged assaults, he left the victims to wake up alone. Some of the victims were also coerced into engaging in sexual acts with him while awake. He recorded this abuse as well. Koester maintained a large collection of this self-produced CSAM, which included thousands of images. Koester was in his late forties and early fifties when these crimes occurred, and the girls were as young as fifteen.

Multiple children reported that Koester showed them the images of their own abuse and laugh while displaying the images of the abusive acts to them.  

In addition to criminally prosecuting Koester, the U.S. Attorney’s Office forfeited his Oregon residence in a civil forfeiture case, netting $750,000 in the sale. The criminal case also forfeited a large amount of photographic and digital equipment.

On November 13, 2018, Koester was arrested by California authorities.

Koester has pleaded guilty to related conduct in San Diego, California, and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. 

Koester also pleaded guilty to related conduct in Yamhill County, Oregon, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.  He will serve those sentences concurrently with the federal sentence imposed today.

On July 16, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Koester with production of child sexual abuse material.

On August 19, 2020, Oregon adopted, from the District of Southern California, a 2-count information charging Koester with production of child sexual abuse material.

On March 10, 2026, Koester pleaded guilty to all 8 counts of production of child sexual abuse material in the two federal cases.

This case was investigated by FBI San Diego, FBI Portland, Carlsbad Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Sussman, Kate Rochat, Mira Chernick, and Julia Jarett.

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.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are 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.

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Umatilla County Man Sentenced In Armed Casino Robbery (Photo) - 08/04/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla County man was sentenced to federal prison today for interference with commerce by robbery, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, and attempt to commit murder.

Javier Vigil, 55, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $2,040.71 in restitution to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation.

“Vigil gambled and lost when he chose to rob this casino with a gun. His violent actions endangered innocent employees, patrons, and a law enforcement officer. He deserved and received the full consequences under federal law. Our tribal communities are incredibly important to me, and I will use every available federal resource to protect them and pursue justice on their behalf. I am also extremely grateful to the law enforcement officer, who risked his life that day to stop this defendant from harming anyone else.” Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney

According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Javier Vigil went to the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon and passed a note demanding $1,000,000 from the cash cage teller. He then drew a pistol and pointed it at the teller. While the tellers gathered cash, he made threatening statements.

After he received over $69,000, he walked out of the casino.

Upon seeing a tribal police officer Vigil raised his firearm and shot at the officer.

Vigil and the officer exchanged gunfire, which resulted in Vigil being shot and falling to the ground. Vigil was then arrested on federal charges for this crime. A bystander outside the casino was also injured from a stray bullet.

Investigators learned that Vigil acquired the firearm around August 3, 2022, about two weeks prior to the robbery and shooting.

On December 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count superseding indictment charging Vigil with interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, attempt to commit murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

On April 7, 2026, on the second day of trial, Vigil pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, felon in possession of a firearm with an armed career criminal enhancement, and attempt to commit murder.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, with the assistance of ATF, the Hermiston Police Department, the Pendleton Police Department, Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.

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Oregon Department Of Corrections Officer Charged With Cyberstalking (Photo) - 07/30/26

PORTLAND, Ore. - A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging an Oregon Department of Corrections Officer with cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend from January 2024 to October 2024.

According to court documents, following a breakup with the victim, Jack Daniel Rowlett, 46, created fake social media profiles on Facebook, posing as other men. Using the fake profiles, Rowlett posted offensive and degrading claims about the victim, including false claims about the victim’s sexual history with the men depicted in the fake accounts. The posts caused the victim significant emotional distress and reputational harm. When the victim sought a protective order in state court against Rowlett for making the harassing posts, Rowlett fought the protective order and denied responsibility for the conduct. Through the federal investigation Rowlett has now been linked to the posts he denied responsibility for.

Rowlett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending further court proceedings.

If convicted, Rowlett faces a maximum of five years in federal prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The FBI investigated the case. The Oregon Department of Corrections cooperated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arin C. Heinz and Natasha M. Geiling are prosecuting the case.

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