Large-Scale Drug Investigation Culminates In Arrests, Drug Seizures, And Multiple Search Warrants In Jackson County (Photo) -01/23/25

For the past two years, the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) has been investigating a local drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting significant quantities of narcotics into the area. In March 2024, the Jackson County Circuit Court authorized MADGE to begin digital surveillance of this organization, enabling investigators to identify individuals and relationships suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. The investigation revealed that the organization, led by 40-year-old Carlos Diaz-Lourdes of Eagle Point, operated as a family-run enterprise importing narcotics into Jackson County from outside the region.

In November 2024, MADGE obtained six Title III wiretap orders to intercept communications among organization members. Using these wiretaps, investigators developed additional leads and identified more suspects. Between January 16 and January 22, 2025, MADGE and its partner agencies carried out tactical operations throughout Jackson County, including the arrest of Carlos Diaz and the execution of 14 search warrants on residences and vehicles spanning from Prospect to Medford.

 

Key Arrests and Charges

The following individuals, identified as major contributors to the organization, were arrested and charged with drug trafficking and money laundering-related offenses:

• Carlos Diaz-Lourdes, 40, Eagle Point, Oregon
• John Steven Diaz, 32, Eagle Point, Oregon
• Steven John Diaz, 32, Los Angeles, California
• Eileen Diaz, 38, Eagle Point, Oregon
• Nyah Rayne Yeoman, 22, Medford, Oregon
• Mayra Miranda, 30, Medford, Oregon
• Brian Caro, 27, White City, Oregon
• Ryan Lyle Hall, 43, Prospect, Oregon

Additionally, 12 other individuals have been arrested, and the Jackson County District Attorney's Office has filed multiple indictments related to this case.

Seized Items

During the investigation, MADGE seized approximately 10 pounds of narcotics, including:

• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Fentanyl pills
• Iso-Fentanyl powder
• Heroin

Other seized items included $210,000 in cash and approximately 50 firearms, many of which were short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and ghost guns (firearms assembled without serial numbers).

 

Partnerships and Acknowledgments

The Medford Police Department recognizes the critical contributions of local, state, and federal agencies in dismantling high-level drug trafficking organizations. MADGE was supported in this investigation by:

• Oregon State Police
• Eagle Point Police Department
• Jackson County Sheriff's Office
• Jackson County Community Corrections
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

About MADGE

MADGE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that focuses on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations. Using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach supported by prosecutors, MADGE works collaboratively with partner agencies. The task force is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and includes members from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Eagle Point Police Department, District Attorney's Office, Parole and Probation, HSI, and FBI.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is a counter-drug initiative sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) that provides funding and resources to multi-agency enforcement efforts like MADGE.

This press release references Medford Police Case Number 24-1394. The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated.

For further questions, please contact Lt. Geoff Kirkpatrick at 541-774-2226.

Medford Police Arrest Suspect In Road Rage Incident Involving Gunfire -01/21/25

On Thursday, January 16, at about 8:30pm, Medford Police Department officers responded to the 2100 block of Crater Lake Avenue following reports of a road rage incident involving a handgun. The victims reported that a man had threatened them with a firearm before leaving the area. Officers obtained detailed statements and began searching for the suspect.

 

Approximately 30 minutes later, the victim contacted police again to report that the same individual had returned. Following a verbal exchange, the suspect fired a gun from his vehicle as he left the scene. The victim was able to provide a vehicle description and a photo of the license plate. Officers confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.

 

Through their investigation, officers identified the suspect as Brandon Blackwell, 34, of Medford, who was determined to be a convicted felon. Around 10am Friday morning, January 17, officers located Blackwell at a property on Gilman Road in Medford. After surrounding the location and making announcements, Blackwell exited the building and was taken into custody without incident.

 

Blackwell was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident was recovered and seized.

 

This case will be prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. For reference, the case number is MPD 25-905.