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News Release

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office And CODE Conduct Major Narcotics Enforcement Operation - 06/26/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and CODE Conduct Major Narcotics Enforcement Operation

 

Following several months-long investigations into the suspected distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Central Oregon, members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, working alongside the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, carried out a coordinated narcotics enforcement operation on June 24, 2026.

 

The investigation identified multiple individuals suspected of participating in the illegal distribution of controlled substances throughout Central Oregon. As part of the operation, detectives simultaneously served a search warrant at a residence in Jefferson County while deputies and detectives positioned themselves along U.S. Highway 97 to intercept a vehicle believed to be transporting a commercial quantity of narcotics.

 

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives secured the residence and attempted to take Elizabeth Chavez, age 40, of Madras, into custody. After being advised she was under arrest, Chavez attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by detectives. Investigators also recovered suspected methamphetamine from her person during the arrest. Additional evidence was collected during the execution of the search warrant and will continue to be evaluated as part of the ongoing investigation.

 

Detectives also located two juveniles inside the residence during the execution of the search warrant. Based on the investigation, investigators believe the children were being exposed to an environment where illegal narcotics were being distributed, and individuals involved in illegal drug activity were frequently present. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting children from environments where illegal drug activity places their safety and well-being at risk.

 

At the same time, deputies initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle traveling south on U.S. Highway 97. The driver, Nicholas Speck, age 40, of Redmond, fled from law enforcement rather than yielding, initiating a vehicle pursuit. Deputies and CODE detectives worked together throughout the pursuit, successfully deploying spike strips to disable the suspect vehicle. During the spike strip deployment, the initial pursuing deputy's patrol vehicle was also disabled, requiring Sheriff Jason Pollock, who could assist with the operation, to assume the lead position in the pursuit. The pursuit continued for several more miles until the Sheriff performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. All suspects in the vehicle were taken into custody and after the stop, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office narcotics K9 Keira with CODE, was deployed and alerted to the suspect vehicle. A search warrant was obtained, and the team located items that are related to the charges listed below.

 

As a result of the investigation, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has filed the following charges:

 

Brent Waldorf, 35, of Madras
• Delivery of Fentanyl
• Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl

 

During the booking process at the Jefferson County Adult Corrections Facility, corrections deputies recovered approximately 31.38 grams of suspected fentanyl after Waldorf was advised of Oregon law regarding introducing contraband into a correctional facility.

 

Elizabeth Chavez, 40, of Madras
• Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine involving more than 50 grams of methamphetamine

 

Additional allegations include unlawful possession of methamphetamine and attempting to flee from detectives while being taken into custody during the execution of the search warrant.

Nicholas Speck, 40, of Redmond
• Felony Attempting to Elude Police

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• Reckless Endangering

• Reckless Driving

 

Kenneth Crutcher, 47, of Redmond
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

 

Investigators located an electro-muscular disruption device (Taser) on Crutcher during the operation. He was also lodged on a probation detainer.

 

This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. The teamwork displayed by the members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, and our law enforcement partners resulted in the disruption of an alleged illegal drug distribution operation while keeping our deputies and our community safe. Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to devastate families across Oregon, and we remain committed to aggressively investigating those responsible for bringing these dangerous drugs into our communities.

 

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office also recognizes the outstanding work of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jefferson County Sheriff's Office detectives, patrol deputies, corrections deputies, dispatchers, the Madras Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and our other regional law enforcement partners whose coordinated planning and execution made this operation successful.

 

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible as investigators continue to review evidence collected during the operation.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity in Jefferson County is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office And CODE Conduct Major Narcotics Enforcement Operation - 06/26/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and CODE Conduct Major Narcotics Enforcement Operation

 

Following several months-long investigations into the suspected distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Central Oregon, members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, working alongside the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, carried out a coordinated narcotics enforcement operation on June 24, 2026.

 

The investigation identified multiple individuals suspected of participating in the illegal distribution of controlled substances throughout Central Oregon. As part of the operation, detectives simultaneously served a search warrant at a residence in Jefferson County while deputies and detectives positioned themselves along U.S. Highway 97 to intercept a vehicle believed to be transporting a commercial quantity of narcotics.

 

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives secured the residence and attempted to take Elizabeth Chavez, age 40, of Madras, into custody. After being advised she was under arrest, Chavez attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by detectives. Investigators also recovered suspected methamphetamine from her person during the arrest. Additional evidence was collected during the execution of the search warrant and will continue to be evaluated as part of the ongoing investigation.

 

Detectives also located two juveniles inside the residence during the execution of the search warrant. Based on the investigation, investigators believe the children were being exposed to an environment where illegal narcotics were being distributed, and individuals involved in illegal drug activity were frequently present. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting children from environments where illegal drug activity places their safety and well-being at risk.

 

At the same time, deputies initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle traveling south on U.S. Highway 97. The driver, Nicholas Speck, age 40, of Redmond, fled from law enforcement rather than yielding, initiating a vehicle pursuit. Deputies and CODE detectives worked together throughout the pursuit, successfully deploying spike strips to disable the suspect vehicle. During the spike strip deployment, the initial pursuing deputy's patrol vehicle was also disabled, requiring Sheriff Jason Pollock, who could assist with the operation, to assume the lead position in the pursuit. The pursuit continued for several more miles until the Sheriff performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, safely bringing the vehicle to a stop. All suspects in the vehicle were taken into custody and after the stop, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office narcotics K9 Keira with CODE, was deployed and alerted to the suspect vehicle. A search warrant was obtained, and the team located items that are related to the charges listed below.

 

As a result of the investigation, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has filed the following charges:

 

Brent Waldorf, 35, of Madras
• Delivery of Fentanyl
• Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl

 

During the booking process at the Jefferson County Adult Corrections Facility, corrections deputies recovered approximately 31.38 grams of suspected fentanyl after Waldorf was advised of Oregon law regarding introducing contraband into a correctional facility.

 

Elizabeth Chavez, 40, of Madras
• Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine involving more than 50 grams of methamphetamine

 

Additional allegations include unlawful possession of methamphetamine and attempting to flee from detectives while being taken into custody during the execution of the search warrant.

Nicholas Speck, 40, of Redmond
• Felony Attempting to Elude Police

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• Reckless Endangering

• Reckless Driving

 

Kenneth Crutcher, 47, of Redmond
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

 

Investigators located an electro-muscular disruption device (Taser) on Crutcher during the operation. He was also lodged on a probation detainer.

 

This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. The teamwork displayed by the members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, and our law enforcement partners resulted in the disruption of an alleged illegal drug distribution operation while keeping our deputies and our community safe. Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to devastate families across Oregon, and we remain committed to aggressively investigating those responsible for bringing these dangerous drugs into our communities.

 

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office also recognizes the outstanding work of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jefferson County Sheriff's Office detectives, patrol deputies, corrections deputies, dispatchers, the Madras Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and our other regional law enforcement partners whose coordinated planning and execution made this operation successful.

 

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible as investigators continue to review evidence collected during the operation.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity in Jefferson County is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team.