Corvallis Man Sentenced To Almost 20 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 06/16/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Corvallis, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and for violating his supervised release on a prior federal case, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Blaine Garrett Reposa, 41, was sentenced to a total of 234 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“This repeat offender has continued to exploit and victimize children who have already endured profound abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who prey on children will be held accountable.”

“Today’s sentence is representative of the FBI and our partners’ commitment to pursuing child sex offenders through investigative tenacity and teamwork,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “We work tirelessly with our partners, as we did here with the Corvallis Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, to bring offenders like Blaine Reposa to justice, and to give victims an opportunity to heal. These types of crimes have no place in our community.” 

According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at Reposa’s residence in October 2024 after the Corvallis Police Department learned that Reposa was uploading CSAM. Detectives seized multiple devices from Reposa’s residence. One smartphone contained more than 6,000 images and more than 2,500 videos of CSAM, mostly of male minors, including infants and toddlers. Another smartphone revealed additional evidence with searches for CSAM, more than 300 images, and 20 videos of CSAM.

Between May and July 2024, Reposa sent CSAM to nine different users on Session, a messaging  platform. In October 2024, Reposa sent a Telegram user almost 40 videos of CSAM.

On September 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a three-count indictment charging Reposa with distribution of child pornography.

On March 10, 2026, Reposa pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment charging distribution of child pornography.

The FBI and Corvallis Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet prosecuted the case.

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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Albany Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material Following A Multinational Investigation (Photo) - 06/16/26

EUGENE, Ore.—An Albany, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while still on probation for a 2014 state conviction for child sexual abuse.

Matthew Lynn Windom, 55, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release.

“The successful identification of this repeat offender demonstrates the power of international partnerships in combatting crimes against children,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “My office will continue to work tirelessly with our local, state, federal, and international partners to identify, locate, and prosecute those who exploit our most vulnerable population and ensure justice for every child.”

“Children are among our most precious and vulnerable members of society,” said Acting Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “We hope this sentence makes clear that the possession of child sexual abuse material—or any form of child exploitation—will be met with serious consequences. HSI remains committed to relentlessly investigating and pursuing those who commit these crimes.”

According to court documents, a multinational investigation revealed Windom potentially possessed and shared CSAM on the New Zealand-based platform “Mega.” Investigators first obtained and executed a search warrant on Windom’s home, where they found digital devices and stories about child sex abuse and a duffel bag with children’s underwear.  No CSAM was found on the seized devices, but investigators later executed a search warrant on one of Windom’s email accounts.  He was found to be in possession of CSAM and was arrested pursuant to a federal complaint on Jan. 8, 2025. 

On Feb. 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Windom with possession of child pornography. Windom pleaded guilty on March 10, 2026.

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

HSI investigated the case, which originated from a lead generated by Australia’s New South Wales Police Force and the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. The Albany Police Department supported HSI’s execution of the federal search warrant. Assistant United States Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.

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.

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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Washington State Man Sentenced To Federal Prison After Conviction For Escaping From Federal Custody (Photo) - 06/16/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Washington state man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday after a jury found him guilty of escape after failing to report to the Northwest Regional Re-entry Center (NWRRC) in Portland.

Brandon Charles Nelson, 40, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Nelson was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 36 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. On Feb. 25, 2025, after violating his release conditions for a third time, Nelson’s supervision was revoked, and he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 18 months of supervised release. While in custody at Victorville Federal Corrections Institute (FCI), Nelson met criteria for placement in a residential re-entry center and was referred to the NWRRC. Rather than report as required, Nelson absconded. The USMS arrested him on Dec. 5, 2025.

On Dec. 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Nelson with escape from custody.

On Feb. 25, 2026, following a two-day trial, a jury convicted Nelson with one count of escape from custody.

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

The USMS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted the case.

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Complaint Filed Seeking To Revoke The Naturalization Of Indian National (Photo) - 06/16/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—Yesterday, the District of Oregon filed a civil denaturalization complaint against a native of India who illegally procured his citizenship by lying about his identity and immigration history.

According to court documents, Jaswinder Singh, a.k.a. Balwinder Singh, 54, applied for an immigration benefit in August 1990 under the name Balwinder Singh. In November 1990 an immigration judge denied the application and ordered Singh to be deported from the United States. After unsuccessfully appealing, Singh was ordered to surrender in July 1993, but failed to do so.

In November 1994, using a second identity, Jaswinder Singh, Singh filed a second application for an immigration benefit. Singh provided a different identity, date of birth, and date of entry to the United States. In August 2003, an immigration judge issued an order granting Singh’s application. After certifying under penalty of perjury the information provided was true, Singh became a permanent resident.

Singh signed his naturalization application under penalty of perjury certifying that the application and the evidence submitted with it were all true and correct and on June 3, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved the naturalization application.

The complaint charges Singh with illegal procurement of naturalization because he was not lawfully admitted for permanent resident status and because he provided false testimony in his naturalization interview. The complaint also charges that Singh procured citizenship through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The Immigration and Nationality Act requires the U.S. District Court to revoke Singh’s naturalization if it finds him liable on any of the charges.

The case is being investigated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. 

The claims in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes The 20th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Photo) - 06/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford recognizes the 20th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day dedicated to raising awareness of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly.

“As we recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting seniors from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “Elder abuse cases strike at some of the most vulnerable members of our community, often causing devasting harm. Prosecuting these crimes sends a clear message that exploitation of our seniors will not be tolerated.”

The Department of Justice is committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to preventing and prosecuting fraud on America’s seniors.

Recent District of Oregon elder fraud cases include:

U.S. v. Rexona Caldararu: In May 2026, a Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts. Read more.

U.S. v. Jeffrey Thomas Higgins: In June 2026, Jeffrey Thomas Higgins pleaded guilty after stealing his clients’ shares of stocks, selling them, and transferring the proceeds into his personal bank account for almost 17 years. Read more.

U.S. v. Jonathan Anthony Kinsella: In February 2026, Jonathan Anthony Kinsella was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after he and his co-defendants targeted an elderly victim and stole over $250,000 worth of gold, cash, and firearms. Read more.

The Justice Department relies on the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraud and abuse. Anyone with concerns about potential abuse, neglect, or fraud should contact local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).

For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

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Mexican National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing A Firearm (Photo) - 06/15/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— Pablo Villasenor-Ochoa, 38, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty last Thursday to alien in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

According to court documents, on December 21, 2025, Villasenor-Ochoa pulled out a handgun, loaded it, and threatened to kill his partner and himself. On December 23, 2025, law enforcement located the firearm in a vehicle used by Villasenor-Ochoa.

On June 2, 2026, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Villasenor-Ochoa with alien in possession of a firearm.

Villasenor-Ochoa faces a maximum sentence of 15 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.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

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Springfield Woman Sentenced To Federal Prison For Theft Of Government Property (Photo) - 06/11/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison today for fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance benefits.

Jamianne MacKenzie, 41, was sentenced to three months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay over $30,000 in restitution.

According to court documents, MacKenzie used personal information of a victim to fraudulently apply for over $27,500 in unemployment insurance, which she used for personal expenses. The victim was unable to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) after the Oregon Department of Human Services was notified in March 2021 that a claim was filed under the victim’s social security number in December 2020. The victim was unable to receive over $2,500 in TANF benefits.

On Feb. 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging MacKenzie with theft of government property.

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

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General COVID Fraud Unit investigated the case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William Narus prosecuted 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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Warms Springs Man Sentenced To Prison For Sexually Abusing Two Minors (Photo) - 06/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for sexually abusing two minors at a sleepover, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Desmond Ray Florez, 34, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on April 13, 2025, Florez sexually abused two minors while they were at a sleepover at Florez’s residence on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Investigators at the Warm Springs Police Department learned that Florez had also previously sexually abused one of the minor victims four years ago.

On July 1, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Florez with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abusive contact. Florez pleaded guilty to both counts on February 19, 2026.

The FBI and Warms Springs Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin Heinz prosecuted 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.

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A Vancouver, Washington, Woman Was Sentenced To Federal Prison For Distributing Fentanyl Resulting In The Death Of Two Brothers (Photo) - 06/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Vancouver, Washington, woman was sentenced to federal prison last Tuesday for distributing fentanyl resulting in two overdose deaths, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Alondra Stephanie Trujillo, 34, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $6,349.00 in restitution.

“This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the severe and destructive impact fentanyl has across our community,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “We are steadfast in our mission to pursue offenders who distribute this poison and endanger Oregonians.”

“This case highlights the dangers of fentanyl and the dangers of buying counterfeit drugs of any type,” said acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “You can lose your life, as these two brothers learned, when these street drugs are marketed as one thing and instead contain fentanyl. This lengthy sentence won’t bring back the brothers, but hopefully it will serve as a deterrent to anyone who thinks about engaging in this type of deadly deception.”

“The tragic fentanyl poisoning deaths of two brothers underscore the deadly reality of illicit fentanyl and the irreversible harm caused by those who distribute it,” said Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division Robert A. Saccone. “DEA remains relentless in its pursuit of drug traffickers who endanger our communities for profit. Through Fentanyl Free America, DEA is combining aggressive enforcement, strategic partnerships, intelligence-driven investigations, and public awareness efforts to eliminate the fentanyl threat.”

According to court documents, on July 12, 2020, two brothers in Woodburn, Oregon, were pronounced deceased from an accidental fentanyl overdose after their mother and first responders attempted life-saving measures to save them. Investigators learned that Trujillo sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl the day prior to their overdose deaths.

On Oct. 17, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Trujillo with one count of distribution of fentanyl. Trujillo pleaded guilty on May 13, 2025.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Woodburn Police Department investigated this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Longview Police Department, Everett Police Department, and Portland Police Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams prosecuted the case.

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.

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Portland Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Aggravated Assault (Photo) - 06/11/26

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today after striking an officer in the head with a large rock at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 25, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution.

“Today’s message is clear – violence is not a protest. When you cross the line and assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “My office will continue to pursue those who seek to harm our law enforcement partners.”

“The FBI will not stand idly by and allow federal officers to be assaulted by rioters,” said FBI Portland Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Torres. “We will investigate any perpetrator using violence to express their views and hold them accountable.”

According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes threw a large rock and struck an ICE officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye. Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building. 

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hoopes with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property.

On February 18, 2026, Hoopes pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon.

The FBI investigated this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

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Two Utah Men Charged With Conspiring To Defraud The IRS And The Small Business Administration Of $5.5 Million (Photo) - 06/11/26

 A Third Conspirator in Oregon Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy on May 13, 2026

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment on Tuesday charging two Provo, Utah, men with conspiring to steal over $5.5 million from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) through a fictitious payroll and bank fraud scheme. A third defendant previously pleaded guilty.

David Starling, 61, and Benjamin Young, 39, were charged with conspiring to defraud the United States. Young was also charged with twelve counts of wire fraud.

Adam Starling, 55, of Sherwood, Oregon, the brother of David Starling, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States.

According to court documents, the defendants owned or controlled eight companies. In 2020 and 2021, they falsely listed several family members as employees of their companies, including their spouses and children. For example, Young’s minor children were listed as employees of five of the companies owned or controlled by the defendants. The three created false tax documents on which they fraudulently reported to the IRS that they had paid more than $4 million in wages to these employees. They also submitted false tax documents to support claims for COVID-19 relief benefits offered through the IRS and the SBA in 2020 and 2021 to help businesses and employees affected by the pandemic. They fraudulently obtained $3 million in tax credits, and $200,000 in Payroll Protection Loans, which were also forgiven based on false statements.

Young purchased commercial space in a building located in Provo where his employer was located. The purchase price was $3.5 million. To fund the purchase, Young used proceeds from the COVID-benefit scheme, as well as other funds he allegedly embezzled from his employer. 

According to the Indictment, after Young acquired the commercial property, he attempted to repay his employer the funds he had embezzled by fabricating documents with David Starling, making it appear that David Starling had loaned Young $2.5 million for the purchase of the commercial property. Relying on the fabricated documents, Young’s bank loan request was approved for $2.5 million and it was secured by the SBA. Once the loan was funded, Young squandered most of it on unsuccessful options trading, the purchase of a condominium for his relatives, and to fund the false payroll scheme.

On November 21, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon filed a civil forfeiture action, alleging that the commercial space and condominium purchased by Young were forfeitable assets due to the fraud. That action is pending.

David Starling and Young are expected to make their initial appearance in federal court on July 31, 2026. If convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States, David Starling and Young face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. If convicted of wire fraud, Young faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

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

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

This case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the SBA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Cardani and Meredith Bateman 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.

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

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Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Fraud And Tax Crimes (Photo) - 06/09/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Jacksonville, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, not paying employment taxes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Joel Matthew Caswell, 31, pleaded guilty to a Superseding Information charging 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.

According to documents and statements made in court, Caswell has ownership and managing interests in multiple logging and construction businesses that collectively employed approximately 40 employees. He was the trustee and a beneficiary of the Caswell Family Trust. From 2018 through 2022, Caswell withheld but failed to pay over trust fund taxes for multiple businesses. In 2019, these unpaid payroll taxes resulted in the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) assessing the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty. To evade the IRS’s ability to collect what was owed, Caswell directed customers to write checks to other companies or him personally, moved business funds, and lied

to IRS collection officers.

Separately, between 2022 and 2024, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes in Oregon that involved submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to secure loans. Additionally, Caswell used the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of Adult Victim 1 to obtain a residential mortgage.

As part of the plea agreement, Caswell has agreed to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the IRS.

He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 9, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the 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’s Progress Against Gun Violence Shows We Must Stay The Course (Photo) - 06/09/26

PORTLAND, Ore.— For years, gun violence cast a terrifying shadow over Portland. Headlines chronicled rising homicides, neighborhoods endured repeated shootings, and residents questioned whether the city could regain a sense of safety.

Today, Portland is moving in a more hopeful direction. Yet, the recent decline in homicides and shootings should not be mistaken for a solved problem. Instead, it offers an important lesson: achieving a sustained reduction in gun violence requires persistence, accountability for gun offenders, and long-term community investment.

Recent data shows encouraging progress. Shootings resulting in homicides have fallen dramatically, from 30 year-to-date in 2022 to 9 in 2026. Shootings that did not result in a homicide have also declined significantly, from 453 year-to-date in 2022 to 171 in 2026. These reductions rank among the largest seen in major U.S. cities over the past several years. Still, Portland has not yet returned to the lower levels of gun violence experienced in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, shootings are up over the past month as the city enters the summer months, when gun violence has historically increased.

This issue is about the sanctity of life. As every victim and victim’s family will tell you, these numbers represent far more than statistics—they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and beloved friends and members of our community. Last month, a member of my family, innocently at a Portland park with a small child, was shot multiple times by a violent repeat gun offender—a personal and painful reminder that there is much more work to do.

Every prevented shooting is a family spared unimaginable grief. Every life saved strengthens a neighborhood and restores confidence that meaningful public safety improvements are possible. Portlanders have a right to be safe, and our policymakers have a duty to ensure they are.

This progress did not happen by accident. Credit belongs to the brave men and women of the Portland Police Bureau and its Focused Intervention Team (FIT). I recently witnessed FIT's work firsthand as its officers responded to an active gang conflict and worked to remove illegal firearms from Portland streets. Credit also belongs to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, which has adopted a more assertive strategy for investigating and prosecuting gun violence. Equally important are the expanded efforts combining law enforcement with community-based intervention programs aimed at preventing violence before it occurs. My office also plays a critical role, working with local, state, and federal partners to target the most violent repeat gun offenders in the county.

Maintaining this momentum will require continued investment and commitment to prioritize public safety funding. In a recent federal RICO trial against Hoover gang leaders, a gang member testified that the mere presence of police officers deters shootings. We need more police officers. We need more prosecutors. And, we need effective community-based intervention programs.

Policymakers must ensure that the police bureau, the district attorney’s office, and prevention initiatives have the resources necessary to do their jobs effectively and hold offenders accountable. Asking these institutions to do more with fewer police officers, prosecutors, and resources risks repeating mistakes of the recent past that contributed to rising homicides and shootings and left Portland neighborhoods and families to bear the consequences.

Communities are safest when accountability and prevention work together. Portlanders deserve effective policing, vigorous prosecution of violent offenders, and strong services. They deserve immediate protection and long-term solutions.

Portland is at a critical juncture. The city's story of gun violence can be a story of recovery, but only if our policymakers stay the course. Portland City Council and Multnomah County Commissioners are currently formulating budgets that will determine whether this progress continues or stalls. The police bureau, the district attorney's office, and community intervention programs all require sustained investment. Defund any one of them and the gains reverse.

Policymakers must ensure these institutions have the staffing and resources necessary to do their jobs — not for the sake of better statistics, but for the Portlanders behind them.

The next several weeks are a test. Summer historically drives up gun violence, and the outcome of local budget negotiations could spell the difference between a good summer, and one that brings increased violence and loss of life in Portland neighborhoods.

Portlanders, please urge your council members and commissioners to appropriately fund Portland’s recovery.

Statement from Scott E. Bradford, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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Coos County Oregon Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 06/04/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Coos County, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for distributing thousands of images and videos of the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Ryan Scott Groce, 41, was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

“Today's sentence sends a clear message: those who exploit children will face significant consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Protecting children and pursuing justice for victims remain among the highest priorities of this office, and we will continue to use every available resource to combat child exploitation and abuse.”

“The volume of files distributed by Mr. Groce is staggering,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “The number of victims—many of whom remain unidentified—is deeply troubling. HSI remains committed to leading the global fight against child exploitation and will continue to investigate crimes targeting our most vulnerable population – our children.”

According to court documents, from November 15, 2023, through November 11, 2024, Groce distributed at least 15,000 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. Investigators searched Groce’s cell phone and found file-sharing software actively downloading and uploading CSAM. Groce’s cell phone also contained over 1000 videos of CSAM.

On Aug. 21, 2025, Groce was charged by information with one count of distribution of child pornography. On Sept. 12, 2025, Groce pleaded guilty.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sweet prosecuted the case.

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.

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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Junction City Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Photo) - 06/04/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Junction City, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Trevor Alan Slocum-Lammers, 31, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in August 2023 a cloud storage account associated with Slocum-Lammers uploaded CSAM. On July 30, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant and interviewed Slocum-Lammers, who admitted to possessing CSAM.

On Sept. 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Slocum-Lammers with possession of child pornography. On Oct. 9, 2025, Slocum-Lammers pleaded guilty.

The FBI investigated this case in collaboration with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and Oregon State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.

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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Eugene Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Enticing A Minor Online (Photo) - 06/04/26

EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison Wednesday for enticing a minor and the father of another minor to send sexually explicit images, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Gino J. Hinojos-Castle, 34, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and 5 years supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution to the victims depicted in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that agents learned he had exchanged with others online.

“The exploitation of children is among the most reprehensible crimes we prosecute,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s 12-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the lasting harm these offenses inflict on victims. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who exploit children, and to ensuring that offenders are held fully accountable under federal law.”

According to court documents, on August 12, 2024, and October 14, 2024, Hinojos-Castle used the social media platform Kik to chat with a minor and a father of another minor where he requested sexually explicit images of the minors. From June 2024 through July 2025, Hinojos-Castle sent CSAM to users on Kik and also sent several messages describing past instances in which he said he had sexually abused minors in a Eugene park.

On July 24, 2025, pursuant to a search warrant, agents seized Hinojos-Castle’s cellphone upon his arrival at the Eugene airport from an out of state trip. Agents found CSAM-related chat applications and CSAM, which he had traveled with from the state of Wyoming.

On September 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a six-count indictment charging Castle with attempted enticement of a minor, attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and transportation, distribution, and receipt of child pornography.

On January 28, 2026, Hinojos-Castle pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor.

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

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.

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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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.

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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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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 250^th 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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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 250^th 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.

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.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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.